Katie's Alaskan Adventure

LONG TIME GONE

2010-10-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

The temple pic is to help make nice pics come up when someone googles "Mormon" images. The more good lds pics out there on the web the more good pics will come up on google images so spread the Mormon love and repost the picture...

Now on to ME glorious ME! Ha Ha Ha!! Wow Jun 9 was the last post MUCH has happened. I moved back home to AR and had a wonderful trip home with my grandparent, my mom's folks. We stopped at Yellowstone and Cody WY. I was reminded again how much I LOVE to travel and I have done a bit of that since I have been home.

In July, I went to Utah with two of my best girl cousins Mandy and Val we met up with my sister Janeen to give her the car we drove out and with my brother Spencer who live in ID, We also met up with Emily; Val's sister and Jeremy one of our many many cousins. I got to go to a setting apart of a man I helped to teach as a misisonary, he was set apart to be a counselor in a Bishopric it was so neat and meant to be, I will always remember that day! The other girls went to Music in the Spoken Word and met Elder Ballard at church. We stayed with my grandma's sister and got to go do some temple work at the temple she works at. We saw like 12 temples and had a blast being together!! It was a great trip!

Then I really looked for a teaching job in AR had some interviews in August...then things got crazy. I spent two weeks up in Northwest Arkansas scoping out the YSA ward and UofA. Decided not to live up that way. So the rest of August was crazy..Quincy and Amy moved so I watched kids, helped move, then helped clean. We had a baby shower for Amy who after 5 boys is expecting a girl =-)

Then September, we had an Open House for Eldon before he left for his misison ,to the same mission I served in SLC-S, UT. Spencer came home we all went to a Sam Bush concert, he is incredible on the mandolin and a good singer (both really but I was speaking of Sam). Then all 5 boys took a road trip to UT while me and mom kept Justin's kids(Amanda had to go home for a teacher conference, she teaches online with the Florida Virtual School). The boys got home and the same day me, mom, Justin and kids took off for Florida where we watched their kids while they went on a cruise. It was a blast! I had a great time playing with them esp swimming with them in the pool. I miss those two!! Oh and Amanda is expecting #3 yay!!

On the way to Florida we pit stopped at my childhood bff's house and her dear mother was there so we had a great breakfast and a joyous reunion. I love the McDonald's and will forever hold a special place for them in my heart!!

What will October bring? A new McKinney healthy baby, we pray. Eldon as a missionary in his mission. It has been so great hearing from him! He is doing so good. He was a zone leader in teh MTC and just had an amazing experience there. We miss him but sure love the good news he is spreading! Me getting hired on permanenetly at ROse Bud School, I hope and pray! I am taking the GRE at teh end of the month to get my Masters in Special Education.

Time sure flies when you are having fun and man have I had fun this summer driving from Alaska to Arkansas to Utah to Florida-- from one end of the country to the other. I love this country and am so blessed to live here with my family!!

AK fun before I flee

2010-06-09T02:22:00.000-07:00

So moving is always such an emotional roller coaster for me...full of highs the anticipation of new beginnings and adventures and lows of saying goodbyes and packing!!! Not to mention stress and anxiety which is probably why I am blogging at 1 23 am. Joblessness is a big stress even though i say I am not worried ( i know the Lord will provide something for me) got a call from a principal who said call me and if we haven't made a choice by then I'll interview you..same everywhere lower 48ers do not do phone interviews.

My youngest brother flew in on Friday and we have been partying up in A-town. We have gone white water rafting, to a glacier, through a 2.5 mile long tunnel to Whittier, an old gold mine, Girdwood to Alyeska ski resort, Talkeetna on the 3 rivers jet boat tour, seen moose, eagles, other birds, a fox, all kinds of wildflowers and mountains, a movie at the new theatre, playhed war ball, football, church, walk on the coastal trail,and it is only Tuesday night. He is hilarious and I have enjoyed being around him again! He should be getting his mission call any day now!!!! Way for him! He is going to be a great missionary.

Mom and Dad have had an adventure getting here already but things seem to be going smoothly now. I can't wait to see them and leave...it feels like I have been saying good bye for a month now; first to school people, now everyone else...granted I need this time to really process the move. I am ready to be on the way and feel the high and not be in the low--having Eldon here helps. One of my closest friend here said you act more comfortable with him here. It is so true having someone who has known you forever and loves you unconditionally (almost ha) is so calming. Plus he is a great kid and we have such a long past things come so easily. I think people give up to easily on new relationships intimate ones or not because they don't give the time to really grow a past a shared experience if you will-sorry total tangent but I can't be blamed its now 1 31 am and still not dark.

I just want to say how much I have learned in the past 2 years in my profession and in the gospel. I have made precious memories that are mine forever. We are our experiences and this has been a good one! I have learned more about TRUST and that faith is always exercised for a future event.

"alaskan" adventure about to end

2010-05-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

So the students' last day was yesterday and I had them pull out all their old work for the year and we talked about what we did that we liked, and DID not like, and what was really fun! This was good for me esp as I was feeling like I could have done more with these ED (emotionally disturbed) kids.

My two history classes I had a short timeline of the year and they had to put it in order without their books and that was fun to see them do that...they did pretty darn good. Another class I made a graphic organizer for food, dances, projects, guest speakers, and movies. We filled it up and we all had a great time remembering the year. We watched old commercials and 20/20 interviews we had made, plays, skits, photos, and it was hilarious to see how they changed. We had a student who gained at least 30 lbs, two who drastically cut their hair, and they all grew so tall.

I will miss these kids and the familarity of the school and feeling like I know how to work the environment of the school i.e. the practice rooms, grey isolation rooms, cops there daily, and kids leaving for long stints in juevy and mental health facilities. I only had one crier he was in my 5th grade room last year and Ihad him in 6th grade social studies this year. He was going to miss me, but I think he was really crying because he forgot a card he made me at home. So goodbye kiddos! I will miss you and think of you often.

Birthday

2010-05-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have had a great birthday! Some friends took the weekend to go camping in Kenai. We had a great time around a camp fire making smores. "how can I have more if I have not had any?" We rented a bike made for 4 that looked like an antique car and had fun riding it down to the softball fields to play some ball. We had tin foil dinners down on the beach and watched the sun set it was gorgeous!!! We drove back Sunday am and stopped at the Wildlife conservation center and saw some of the animals there, it was fun.

Church was good and then my dear friends and coworker Kay Papakristo invited me to her place for a birthday bbq. It was gorgeous outside!! Sunshiney.

Then I went with my roomate on a whale cruise out of Seward. It was amazing. We saw humpback whales a mom and baby, stellar sea lions, dahl sheep, thousands of birds, old WWII bunkers, eagles,and sea otters. We went to the Sea life center and had a great time there. One tank had some harbor seals and one of them hung out at the glass and played with you. He would follow your hand all around. He was sooo cute. I saw swimming birds up close and touched lots of sea plants and star fishes. It was great!! I think I will take my parents and grandparents there in a few weeks.

29 wow! This is not exactly where I saw myself as a youth but it has not been a bad ride. Some hard times now and then but overall some amazing experiences!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lived in 6 states (that I remember) 4 of them as a YSA. I feel like I am a well rounded person (no pun intended) who has been a risk taker. I have lived in every region of the USA. I have been exposed to city life, rural life, freezing climates, and hot climates. I have remained true to myself and to the covenants I have made. I have continued to love the Lord even through disappointments, trails, sorrows and know that the best part of my life is ahead of me. Faith is always facing forward. (remember lot's wife elder holland talk...AMAZING)

I long to have my own family and put down roots; when I get discouraged about this I just remember what I have control over and what I don't. I also remember that it only takes a short time to get married. I have known lots of couples who met and very quickly their lives changes dramatically. 2 from my ward here are now about to be parents, wow the difference a year can make...BUT if not then; I will continue to live my life having faith in the Lord and His infinite goodness, kindness, and His plan for me. I know part of my mission on Earth is to be a good example to others, to love others, and to learn all I can. These 3 things can keep me busy for a long time!!!

SUNSHINE Y'ALL -- and scares!

2010-05-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today is the third day of absolutely gorgeousness; clear calm skies and sunny sixty degree weather! I have been have some grand adventures lately!! Saturday I took my good friend and co-workers daughters to the Eagle River Nature Center we saw some swans on the way out and a bunch of eagles and other "Alaskan" birds there. That night, after eating and feeding the missionaries at my friends Lexi's, a group of us in 4 trucks went off-roading /4 wheeling for 6 hours out at Jim Creek, just off the knik arm bridge. The sunset that we saw driving out was amazing. We had a blast smashing through mucky muddy, and sailing through cold creeks; I know it was cold because the truck I was in the water seeped in after crossing a dark deep mud hole. After 1 flat tire, 1 chainsaw useage to free an axel from a tree, 1 trip to the woods to pee, 1 wrong turn down a too narrow trail so we had to back out, we still did not make it to the Mat-Su glacier but boy did we have fun!!!!!!!! At 4 am on the way back into Anchorage you could see the sun starting to come back up.

Sunday night one of my BFF's here Erika, I played the piano at her baptism and now my baby is all grown up and going off to preach the gospel in Germany and Austria, texted me and told me the Northern Lights were out, 1: 15 in the am. I ran and put on my ARKANSAS hoodie and got myself outside. At first I didn't see it then she told me to look over Mt. View and then I saw it. It looked like a hazy green moving cloud. It was awe--some!

Monday at FHE we played ultimate dodge ball. When you get out all the people you got out are back in, never ending game. Then we got in teams of 3 and if someone in your team got out the team was out, within 20 mins we had a winner. So much fun to play and watch! We went to cold stone yummo! Then went to a middle school to play football, mosquitos are out and attacking. During the last play of the game my Erika had a seizure... scary! I was glad I was with worthy boys who were ready to give her a blessing. She came to and was fine within a few mins. Friday night my dad was in a tornado. He was driving and the storm got so bad he decided to get in a culvert. A tornado went right over where he was and two trees feel on his upper body and legs that were sticking out. He is lucky to be alive!! These two things were such a reminder of how important family and friends are to me and that life is so fragile. There are no guarantees for tomorrow all we have is the here and now.

Tuesday was a good guy friends b-day party after food, we went and walked on the Tony Knowles coastal trail and got cussed out by a crazy native lady because Erika's dog was off it's leash and she had to slow down. Good times! We were watching the sunset, seeing all sorts of birds at chester creek lagoon, and hearing the creek run into the ocean. The mountains on all sides and their reflection in the water was a spectacular to behold. We walked back holding hands and singing we're off to see the wizard. Such a great night!!

Lunch funny and Recognition

2010-04-30T13:02:00.001-07:00

So I often will go across our back track over to The ARC of Anchorage, an organization that helps disabled kids. They help them learn work skills; part of their program is an in-house cafe. I got a baked potato. I came into the gym like I have many times before, only this time one of our "special" kids grabbed a handful of hot potato and threw it then licked his hand. It reminded me of our Downs Jacob he is so fast at grabbing food and he will do the same thing. It made a great mess all over me and the gym....oh geeze!

I felt awful for him cause he kept saying hot hot hot hot hot..and his aid felt bad for my lunch. Our administrative assistant went and got me a new potato over at the cafe while I was helping our janitor and special kid clean up the mess. How sweet!

Yesterday at our end of the day meeting our Principal ,who is maybe 5'1 and sometimes looks really funny talking and dealing with kids who are seriously 2 or 3 times his size, recognized me for my giving up my prep period to go in with the 6th grade PE class and helping out Coach Danny who has 9 kids and no teachers assistant in there. Everyone clapped and it felt nice to be recognized publicly for that effort/sacrifice!!!!

Alaska Roadtrips

2010-04-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Since there are several people from the group I pal around with a lot who are moving in the near future we have decided to road trip on the weekends until we all leave. Fairbanks was the first road trip and probably the longest!

This past Saturday we drove to Girdwood and went up to the 7 glaciers restaurant; which is nestled on top of a mountain at the Aleyeska resort. We took the tram to get up to the top of the mountain. It was gorgeous! The food up top was sooo expensive; it was a 5* eatery. It was tasty especially the creme brulee ! The drive there was spectacular. It was a clear sunny day and the sun was sparkling on the sea. The sunset while we ate and reflected some color onto the snowy mountain side. On the way home, the nearly full moon captured our gaze as its' light danced on the mountain side and the surface of the wavy water.

I will post some pictures soon!

On a side note- I can not believe that another year of school is almost over! The end of the year around here gets intense. Last week we had 4 students arrested and 2 intervention coaches i.e. security guards taken to the hospital for x-rays. One for a hand that got slammed in a door, the other for his nose, head butt to the face. We had a brawl in the hallway right outside my door that I thought would end up looking like a saloon fight in a John Wayne flick but it only dragged in 3 students. It has been nuts around here for sure!!! I am sure there is only more to come.

Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs, and ELDER CHRISTOFFERSON

2010-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Went up to Fairbanks, AK some YSA's invited us up to hear Elder Christofferson and Elder Brad Rissenmay, recently called to the 70, at a stake conference. There was not stake president release and Elder Christofferson said he kept getting asked why are you here? He said he was sent as a message of love and as a symbol that there is no place so remote, so isolated, so far that Heavenly Father does not know where you are and is aware of you. He spoke about light and how important it is in our lives temporally and spiritually. He said we need to invite the things that the Lord has touched into our lives, just as the stones that gave light to the Jaredites.

We decided since we were so close we would go to Chena Hot Springs. In Arkansas there is a town called Hot Springs that has natural hot springs too. It was a blast! The Spring was really hot!!

Then we drove over to North Pole, AK. My 1st cousin Spencer Sherwood is serving his mission in Alaska and he started in North Pole. We went to Santa's house and had fun poking around there.

Then we went to the Fairbanks stake conference and heard from one of the 12 Apostles. Elder Christofferson. It was powerful! We heard from him again on Sunday am and afternoon for a special YSA/SA meeting. We got to shake his hand and he took pictures with a lot of the YSAs. We stayed at the same hotel too but never saw him there.

The drive up and back was spectacular the Alaska Range of mountains is amazing!

the mountains looked like they were on fire..no camera could capture this lovely moment

moosing around at Denali Princess Lodge..it was still boarded up for the winter
YAY for Santa!

The museum on the University of Fairbanks Campus
Ice museum at Chena Hot Springs
WOW so high up on the globe!
the hot springs so hot!!!

this was in theUoF museum..ode to alaska outhouses. in the lower 48 rest stops have running water and flushing toilets..here you get an outhouse and if you are lucky some hand sanitizer.
view almost to fairbanks
view from hotel room of the chena river
picnic after church

Elder Christofferson and Risenmay on the stand on the left is the mission president and his wife Elder and Sister Dance, they are amazing too!

Count your many blessings

2010-04-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in fast and testimony meeting (once a month we fast 2 meals and give what we would have spent to help those in need around the world) I realized I only had 2 more of them left before I move back to Arkansas. Moving is always bitter sweet..I was filled with sweet memories with members of the congregation and the closing hymn, which I pick out by the way, was count your many blessings...the tears were flowing down my cheeks and the names of dear friends running through my mind.

I have really enjoyed the spring and summers here..winters are brutal. People literally hibernate and then March comes and brings sunshine and we all start hanging out again and doing stuff and it is a complete blast. I will miss the YSA social life back in Arkansas but I will love being close to the family there! Esp with a new baby coming in the Fall =-)

I love meeting new people and building those friendships Alaska has been an overall great experience and one I am glad I chose to have!

General Conference

2010-04-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

WOW if families did not hear the message loud and clear I don't know what will help open their ears to the message. Raising your kids is a huge responsibility! Fathers step up and be the priesthood leaders you are supposed to be; the one homes need; the one children need if they are to emulate you; mothers let the brethren and encourage them in this priesthood role, it is theirs! Women -and Mothers focus on the most important things YOUR KIDS not the latest fashion or hobby or tan or being 120 lbs. Take the time to plan what you want your children to know and be,....then correlate it with what the Lord wants and needs them to understand and become. Then plan the activities and provide the opportunities for them to learn that skill i.e. to work hard..plant a garden; if you want them to learn to be financially reliant set up a chore chart with payment for work then have them pay taxes, tithing, and bills. So many talks on how the HOME is the best place to teach a child and that the church is a support to the family and should not supplant families. As a public school teacher I am amazed at some basic skills middle school kids don't have. We have to prepare them and start early..crib side!!! Place those tiny feet on the gospel Sod!!

I am so thankful for my parents efforts in teaching us to understand and to become the people we are. We have had our ups and downs like every family but overall I think we turned out fantastic! Quincy with his impressive gospel scholarship and Amy and their 5 boys soon to be 6 ( i am hoping girl) yay! Those boys will look up things in the encyclopedia if they have a question. They are amazing and I love them. They love the Lord. When I was home last I got to hear Jacob say a prayer and it was so precious! Jared and Ann Marie and their commitment to the Lord shows their kiddos how to do the same; even through hard times of pain and sorrow. Emily Rae is so loving and sweet a natural nurturer, the boys so funny and cute! They are being taught early. I have such wonderful examples of how to mother. Justin has shown courage, perseverance, and determination that I don't know if I have. Amanda supports her family in many way. Their Kade is smart as a whip and Keely is so adorable. Spencer and his righteous desires to create a family, Janeen and her fearless self with a firm testimony, Eldon,a Lion of the Lord, he is going to be an impressive missionary having gone through the McKinney Training Center; the MTC will not be a place new doctrines are revealed to him (sis becks talk mothers who know).

My fantastic family and many others ,Elder Perry said, is in thanks to Mothers who are with their children (or should be) teaching them, loving them, and nurturing them. Of course I think my momma is pretty spectacular. She has taught us so much with not only her words but her example, and activities she has invited us to participate in with her( reading the scriptures, memorzing scriptures, fhe, cooking, gardening, sewing, laughing, reading, snuggling, working, forgiving to name a few). I love to see these good traits and activities passed to my nephews and nieces! I love to see them grow in the gospel. I was grateful for all the Aunt references in conference. I love my role as Aunt and as a Women to be nurturing and kind to be endowed with those tender feelings. I have a deep love for small children...I have much to look forward to!!!! I can't wait!

I know I have many flaws and that our family does too; but I also know in whom we rely and that He will help us to continue to become the family he wants us to become!

PCOS and Isaiah

2010-04-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

So I don't usually go around spouting that I have PCOS but a recent lesson in Institute was so powerful; I don't know how to talk about it without talking about PCOS and if I can help one other person feel not so alone in their suffering then it is worth it..maybe even courageous.

In Institute last week we were talking about the scattering of the 10 tribes of Israel and looking at why were we scattered just to be gathered again later? Why did Christ descend just to be exalted? We were scattered to help those around us and He knew we would feel alone. He knew we would come to earth at this time when the world is so wicked; that we would be few in numbers but strong in spirit. He sent us to be the Ensign to the world to call them to Christ. He knew we would all feel utterly alone at some time; that is why He worked out the Atonement utterly alone so He could succor us accordingly.

In speaking of being alone we looked at Isaiah 54. Well I guess it is here I should put in that It have PCOS and its effects for me mostly manifest in baldness, excessive hair in other unwanted places, and blood sugar / weight issues. I will have no idea about the fertility part until I start trying to have babies; which is a whole issue in and of itself. Weight struggles plus the baldness and having to wear a wig make me feel unattractive, unwanted, and unlovable and begs me to ask questions like who will be able to look past all my physical issues to marry me? How do I tell some worthy man that I may never be able to bear him children? I have gotten past the why me? and on to the what am I to learn? But I can not seem to keep my mind from thoughts like I may never never be kneeling across an altar making sacred covenants, be able to share my life with someone, feel a baby kicking my ribs, nurse a child, or hear a little voice call me mommy.

Most days I can laugh about it and say oh it is just hair and in the grand scheme of things it is not that important. (I have been lucky at my job and other place to not have had 1 hair mishap =-) Other days it seems to be overwhelming and I feel like a crazy person ready to snap at anyone who begins to whine about their bad hair days or husbands or children. On these days, I am filled with a hurt and a pain so perfect that I am sure no one else can feel it as deeply and certain as I do.

I was having such a day on the day of Institute class. Isaiah 54:1 sing O barren, thou that dist not bear: break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. ~ This one verse brought me a peace and comfort not previously felt since 2001 when I got diagnosed. One day it will be all made up! The hurt and pain will be wiped away just as He promises to wipe away all tears in Revelations. He remembers the promises He has made. He knows me and is aware of my needs, pains, struggles, grief, and disappointments. In the back of class, I was weeping those precious tears borne of personal revelation that brings both peace and comfort. I found it so interesting that in referring to Christ coming and healing us Isaiah chose to use this example of one who wants these sacred blessing of children in their life and most desperately wants to be rescued from being alone. What greater healing could He bring? What greater pain could He overcome?

This chapter goes on For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou was refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee: but with great mercies will I gather thee. He will one day gather and deliver all of us from our feelings of being "forsaken and refused", if we are obedient and faithful to Him. I know I can and need to do much better! He will not forsake or forget me; even though I feel that way. Those thoughts and feelings are lies sent from Satan. They are not my reality nor do I wish them to be. These verses motivate me to stretch reaching for a higher level of obedience. To become more steadfast and immovable. It also motivates me to reach out to Him who does and will succor me with "great mercies"and suffered unimaginable pain in order to do so. And to take better care of the body I have been intrusted with remembering all the things I do have: eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to feel, and legs to take me where I want to go.

How I love Him and His prophets! I know that this is a small moment and that there are people whose trials are bigger, harder, tougher than mine. I know that He offers them the same promises. How thankful I am for his "word" which is so powerful that it can heal mine; and all wounded souls" (Jacob 2:8) !! I am also grateful for the CES program of Institute and Brother Bacon and his lesson that so fully invited the Spirit to class and touched my spirit forever!

Spring is Srung and Thumbs

2010-03-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

So last night I jammed my thumb a big one! I did not think much of it until I woke up the next day and it was so swollen and bru-uuised! My school nurse advised me to go get it x-rayed. My family is not the x-ray type but it hurt really bad so I went. Not broke but the MD is pretty sure I tore my ulnar ligament also known as skiers thumb or gamers thumbs. It is pretty painful and life without a thumb is hard. Somehow I am always surprised by how much I use something when I can't anymore. I am reminded of my not too distant tailbone injury...you use those butt muscles a lot! Also how much our bodies are connected the thumb is connected to the wrist bone the wrist bone is connected to the elbow..you get the picture. I am grateful for these little reminders.

SPRING in Alaska so fun. It is like the earth litterally is shaking off the bands of death by dark cold snow and is awakening to glow and bask in the soft sunshine. I love this time of year; here people are literally more alive with the added light. I am so excited for General Conference and am glad it is on Easter Weekend how symbolic.

I caught the sunset a few nights ago over cook inlet and the sunrise this am over the mountains and both were so gorgeous!!

Dan's got muscles how but you!!!!!

2010-03-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

The top picture is Jared's youngest Jack..he is sooo adorable.
The second one is Quincy and his little one Daniel, doing muscles. I love Dan's face Quincy's too.
Thanks Ann Marie for the pictures!
Thinking about being close to home makes me smile and get extremely excited but thinking of leaving here makes me sad; bitter sweet all the way around.

Student work

2010-03-16T15:10:00.001-07:00

Dioramas--Rain forest 7th graders

18th Ammendment Prohibition posters 6th graders

pictures

2010-03-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Beluga Point a great place to watch the whales in August....
Driving in Wasilla
Cannery trip--yes we have a LDS cannery in Palmer..it is so fun to go and help out here.
Out the back door of my classroom 3pm
My dirty car and the snow pile taller than my car

Sunset gorgeous!!
Sledding good times!

Spring Break

2010-03-11T10:34:00.001-08:00

So the first two days were spent reading the most wonderful Book of Mormon! A group of singles gathered at the Stapely's my upstairs neighbors and also the sister to one of the singles. We read it in about 22 hours.

I picked up on lots of new stuff this time. The word Firm really stood out to me. Hearken and hear also stood out. It is so important for us to listen to what Heavenly Father wants us to hear and know. This comes by listening to His prophets who speak with power and authority. Also the immense love of our Savior. He wants us to come unto Him and lay down our sins and follow him. He is willing to show us all sorts of things if we have the eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to know and feel.

Went to Bear's tooth theatre yesterday with a friend. A first for me. It is a neat theatre where you can order food and they bring it to you..there are tables in front of you so you can eat during the flim. So fun! An Anchorage hot spot.

Today I am heading down to Girdwood to go to luch with a friend. I hope that it is clear out. It is the most gorgeous drive of anywhere I have ever been across this country!!

I am getting excited/anxious about moving home and all that entails. But am so excited to be close. If you aren't you are out of loop...siblings just forget you. and don't keep you updated ...except Eldon that kid is amazing...the rest.......loosers! Just kidding I know they feel the same about me! They are so busy with kids and life plus the time difference makes it hard for me to remember to call them when it is not 10pm their time.

I have pictures to post just haven't! Will try to soon.

ruff day at the office

2010-03-03T02:01:00.000-08:00

so teaching today I could not do anything right, or so it seemed. My homeroom failed to do anything all day. All the other classes except one were just one incident after the other. I would label today FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE day ,big time! It lead to a major melt down for a student and then for myself as well.

The incident today was a larger scale of smaller incidents with same student for over a week. last week when he was asked to leave my room he punched a picture frame containing an USA flag I got for Christmas. He busted up his hand pretty good. He seems to seek out my personal belongings to trash. Earlier in the year he grabbed some flags, ones on dowels and hit them on the chalk tray trying to break them. For those who don't know I work at a special day school for emotionally disturbed children. We have security or intervention coaches who step in in these crazy situations. Well "Student" was at it again today.

Today he turned in 1/4 of the work and I told him I would send the rest home to be completed there. He tore up the work and threw it across the room. Then he got a new worksheet and sat on top of a desk and stared to do the work. I let him stay in class but redirected him to sit somewhere safe. he did not follow the directions and based on previous behavior I had my TA go get security to escort him out for being unsafe, throwing things, and not following directions.

In the meantime he did finally sit in a chair but was now writing on the desk he kept looking at me to see if I was going to do something about it not realizing I had already sent for help. When security arrived I told him he needed to go with them to our practice hallway- a place students go to practice good school skills they have rm8 to deescalate, 9 where they do work showing they are ready to be back in class and follow directions and they have skills- in school suspension rooms and 2 gray rooms/isolation rooms that can be locked from the outside highly supervised rooms!

When asked/told he needed to go practice school skills he picked up his desk and threw it at my computer cart, raked off my teacher podium, then kicked my fan to smithereens all in like 25 seconds. He was taken to a gray room and then somehow he ditched security and came back to my room for some more. He kicked my recycle bin all the while swearing at me and started to clear off my bookshelves. I stood up and told him he needed to leave my room immediately he ran over to me and postured as if to hit me and told me he would kill me, using some nice colorful language. about this time security arrived and physically removed him from my room.

It was so personal. he came back for me. to intimidate me. to hit me and hurt me or my stuff anyway he could. needless to say I was pretty shaken up about the whole incident and really mad. but glad I had not hit him in the heat of the moment, myself. I was so peeved and angry with him! I wrote up what needed to be written up at that second. and then took some time outside my room and I lost it.

I called my momma and she was a big help. It was so unnerving. My principle stopped by and told my ta that we could take a few days off if we needed. I said hell no! I am not going to let some teenager intimidate me into not coming to school. if he wants to hate women and hate me that is fine but I will still do my job, I will still go to work, I will not allow him to make me feel afraid in my own classroom.

I don't think the public understands what working with these kids can be like. I feel for the parents who with Ed and ODD kids. It is a rough road to hoe. Today was an extreme but it happened...tomorrow is a new day for him and for me. I hope and pray that I and he can work this out and get to the heart of whatever the problem is...if it is something I can do or change I sure wish I knew so I could fix this and make it hurt less.

You love your students and know that they are capable of good you see it in moments when they help each other and complement each other and remember to say please and thank you. When they help you clean up the mess another student makes when they are out of control and escalated. I know they are all capable of achieving so much but you can't make them chose it.

It was after this that I realized this is exactly what our Father in Heaven must feel like with us. We mess up and mess up and mess up and feel like we are no good. No matter how many times I tell a student that was yesterday lets try again; they can't let it go and all their yesterdays effect their tomorrows so much that they can't see past them or move past them. How many times do I need to be told that I am good, and that I can make good choices, or that I am more than a number on a scale, or a age or a marital status...none of these are qualifiers for love especially the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son. They constantly beckon to us to come unto them and tell us: that was yesterday let's move on. I guess sometimes I am just as stubborn and hard headed as my students. I do things that say to people I love dearly, " see I am bad, you don't need me or want me I can't/aren't changing fast enough or completely enough you can't love me"

I know tomorrow will be a new day and I hope I am able to communicate my love for this student and to start choosing more fully for myself to see the NEW DAY!

Fur Rondy and tsunami warning

2010-03-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

So this year was the 75th Fur Rondy celebration. It is a holiday celebrating when the fur trappers come down from the bush and sell off their furs and part!! So how do you celebrate...you have outhouse races, running with the caribou, a carnival, sled dog rides, snow and ice sculptures, helicopter rides, funnel cakes yumo!, and fireworks.

The snow and ice sculptures were incredible. I will try to post some pictures soon.
I LOVE fireworks -the sight and sounds so cool! Saturday night thanks to At&T we had quite the show over Cook Inlet. July 4th here is not the same with it being so light outside so this was great because it was dark! It was a spectacular show!

Because of the earthquake in Chile we were under a Tsunami warning here in Alaska. Crazy! So volcanoes, earthquakes, and now a tsunami warning. This is definitley and adventurous state and such an amazingly beautiful one!!!!!!!

Driving to school

2010-02-23T08:35:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago while stamping the snow from my boots I pulled a wire loose and now my radio does not work..no big deal. More a fyi.

Yesterday morning and this morning the mountains were so gorgeous and for the first time it was light -greyish twilight light but light non the less- behind the mountains and they were gorgeous!! Standing there so tall and dark against the light of the grey and the white snow on the top like a halo or a shiny crown. It is amazing the difference a few weeks makes around here in regards to light.

It has been unseasonably warm too highs in the upper 30's and one day it even breached 40. YAY!! It has been great.

Flying solo and trip home

2010-02-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

Flying solo presents lots of challenges. No one to talk to on the airplane..that you know. No one to hold a bathroom door shut cause it is broke and the last one open and you really need to go. No one to double check flight times/gates/seats with. It is always uncomfortable too but this time I realized I am thankful for people who make sitting next the the "chunky" chick seem like a cake walk..like the mom with the screaming baby, the family with 8 kids trying to rearrange the whole plane so her kids can sit all together. The loud snorer. I do not seem so bad comparatively to what people could sit by.

My trip home was awesome. Tons of family time extended and immediate. Everything about the funeral was just how it should have been. After the viewing a smaller crowd of Sherwood's' sat around grandma Sherwood's large table and shared Uncle Delwin stories until way too late.

Before the funeral all the family had a intimate meeting to do the same and share feelings, stories, or thought impressions. The funeral itself was super. My older brother quoted 2 of uncle Delwin's favorite poems that he used a lot in talks in the years past. One really touched me especially as I deal with PCOS and all its symptoms and side effects. It touched me a lot at the funeral, reminded me of all the things I DO have that whining is not helpful.

It is called THE WORLD IS MINE

The world is mine

Today on a bus, I saw a lovely girl with silken hair
I envied her, she seemed so gay, and I wished I was so fair
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the isle
O God, forgive me when I whine
I have two legs, the world is mine

And then I stopped to buy some sweets
The lad who sold them had such charm
I talked with him, he seemed so calm, and if I were late it would do no harm,
And as I left he said to me “I thank you, you have been so kind”
It’s nice to talk with folks like you. You see, I’m blind
O God forgive me when I whine
I have two eyes, the world is mine

Later walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do
I stopped a moment, then I said, why don’t you join the others dear”
He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew he could not hear
O God forgive me when I whine
I have two ears, the world is mine

With legs to take me where I’ll go
With eyes to see the sunsets glow
With ears to ear what I would know
O God forgive me when I whine
I’m blessed, indeed, the world is mine

Sunday was a great Sacrament meeting where family and friend bore powerful testimonies of the Plan of Salvation and I got to sit with my nephews and nieces. We all ate at the church as a family again and it was super to see everyone and visit with cousins I have not seen in awhile.

Uncle Dewlin always loved family get togethers and the party started when he arrived. His funeral was no different. He brought us all together.Sunday night the snow came and we all got snowed in together at my Uncle Barton's house; we played in the snow like Uncle Delwin would have.We kept saying he gave us the snow it was 12-15 inches deep in places. We have not had that kind of snow in AR in like 10 years. We played games and watched his favorite movies. It was a blessing for us all to have a few extra days together to share and be together.

So many of our sherwood traditions started with him. He had the first 4 wheelers in the family, he had the 1st pool table, he had the fooze ball table, the pool, the first video recording device. When I think of get togethers these are the things I think of. We will all miss him and continue to remember him by enjoying life and taking to for playing and making memories. Come what may and love it!

Plus my momma's birthday was yesterday and 6 of her 7 kids all got to be there for it. We had a great time together. I am so glad I was able to go home and participate. Time is so short and being so far from family is silly--which is the most important thing here--I will be glad to be closer to home. I will miss my Alaska friends and the beauty here a lot though.

New Family Pictures-loss

2010-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my Uncle Delwin died. Here are a few pictures of him. He loved his grandkids and being silly. He is going to be missed.

I have soooo many memories with him- I am pretty sure I learned to swim in his pool if not I definitly was glad I knew how. He had some blue honda four wheelers and as a kid he was so willing to give all us nephews and nieces ride after ride on them in the "terrace" field. It was so fun to ride with him and 5-6 other kids and just laugh. He laughed as much as we did.

When we lived in Pennsylvania he came to see us several times and that meant a lot to all of us kids. We are all going to miss his fun loving spirit around.

My heart breaks for my cousins Tana, John, Mandy, and thier kids.

We never know when it is our time to go. I wanted to post our new family pictures and just express my love to them.

Wamer weather

2010-02-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

It was so nice out today. I did not even feel like I needed a coat when I first stepped out eventually the cold did sink in. The extra sunshine is kicking in and it is so nice to notice it getting darker later and later everyday. It is so encouraging. I took tons of vit D and will continue to do so, I think it made a big difference this winter..not that it is over yet but we are on the down hill slide. YAY!

Yay for sunshine.

wedded bliss smedded bliss

2010-01-30T01:52:00.000-08:00

So in the past month 3 couples have gotten engaged and on face book several friends are celebrating 9 or 10 years of wedded bliss to their "bff's"; whatever that means. I have only had a few really good guy friend and so hearing "married to my best friend" my mind envisions them with some girl. YUCKO

I know I am being bitter and a bit jealous or resentful but enough already! Then someone else on FB was saying how hard it was to have a snow day with a kid in the house always calling out "mommy" I would gladly trade places; to hear a sweet little voice ascribe that title to me.

I am looking at what I don't have instead of what I do (which is a lot!!) but somedays it-the things I don't have and want - seem to get smacked in my face one too many times and then it eeeks its way down to my heart and crumbles it.

Haiku

2010-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

My 7th graders wrote this with me in our world geo class on Friday. I will post a pic of the picture we were using to write this

golden long brick bridge
emperors big white palace
blue sky tiny moon

I will also post pic of my 6th graders prohibition posters they made.

Happy Birthday DAD!!

2010-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to him. He has brought so many wonderful experiences into my life. I get my adventurous side from him. He loves to go to new places and watch people to get a feel for a place. On family vacations, I would stay up late at night with him while he was driving and look at the maps of where we had been and where we were going.

So many times I have been teaching about a place and I can teach about it so much better because he has taken us there. Like when we were talking about immigration in the early 1900’s. How the immigrants passed by the Statue of Liberty. I was able to show them pictures of me as a little girl there and as an adult. It was so fun and the kids loved it too and had tons of questions. Especially teaching here in Alaska where few of the kids have been “outside” it has been wonderful to show them pictures of the country.

The Alamo is another place I have got to teach about where I have been. Again it is because of my dad that I was able to go there and spend Spring Break in San Antonio. It was amazing; all because he had to drop off a car in Laredo, Texas.

He is so giving and wants everyone to love what he loves; weather it is music or traveling or eating. He wants to share it with us. I am grateful for that too. That makes me so much more willing to give and share. Material things have never been important to him he is always willing to give monetarily to others who are in need.

He has taken us to lots of places. There are only 7 states I have not been to with him. A short list of my favorite places Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, The Avenue of the Giants, and Niagara Falls.

He has also provided us with a great example of entrepreneur skills. He has always found work or made work. He has a lot of faith in risking things to get what he wants. He can build anything. I am confident of that. By owning land and farming he gave us that wonderful experience of hard farm work.

He has never let failure or set back get him down. He is a great example to me for going after things I want and that you only get one chance to live so why not drive through Death Valley, or get that ring that you really want, or spend an extra hour stopping by to see people you care about. He loves my mom which is one of the best things he has given or shown us. He loves the gospel and spent a lot of time trying to impart his spiritual wisdom to us. He is quirky and “John McKinney” in everyway but that is how we like him and we wouldn’t know what to do without him.

I hope he has a great day today! I love you dad. I know we have many more experience to have together. Some suggestions lets cross the Atlantic on a Mediterranean cruise or do a train tour of Europe.

latest adventure--back to school

2010-01-12T12:48:00.001-08:00

Yup I am taking on online sped masters class. I am Phoenix! --ha It started today. I hope that all goes well. I need to take it to keep working at my school. I am keeping all my doors open for next year.

I haven't yet decided where I will end up next year but I am pretty sure it will not be here in AK. I love it here: the beauty ,the institute, the friends, the people, my job -as trying as it can be sometimes, the snow, the cooler weather, the sunshine in the summer, the wildlife, the town and all it offers, Alaska native art,....if I could slide Alaska into the Gulf of Mexico where cartographers usually put it and then it would be easy to get home to see those precious little nieces and nephews of mine. I am looking at Memphis, St. Louis, Fayettville. We shall see.

Been a busy week. Yesterday I fed the missionaries yummy fajitas and taught FHE on the Christlike attribute of knowledge, went to the Lusac Library to pick up an old Disney Revolutionary War film called the Swamp Fox. I swear I ran all day long. It was good though.

Saturday night I took my Papakristo (my friend and colleague daughters) girls to see the Fantastic Mr. Fox, it was pretty funny. Those girls keep me cracked up. The youngest is 3 and in the theatre she finished her popcorn and yells really loud Ms. Katie I finished my "Cock-corn I want more cockcorn" I busted up laughing. She is so funny. She will make a song out of anything.

back to the black darkness of winter

2010-01-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am back in the wintery tundra of the north. It is so gorgeous here and I will always love that part of Alaska. I had a wonderful time being home for the holidays with all of my siblings. This was Eldon's last Christmas home before he leaves for his mission. Man I cannot believe how time flies!

I got in late Friday night and it is always an adjustment back to a quiet empty apartment after spending the holidays around all the family. Saturday I ran some errands like getting food back in the house and was feeling useless here. No babies to change, hold, or feed. No dishes to do or lunch to make or errands to run for someone else. Just when I was revealing in my seperation and being bummed I got a call asking me to play the piano at a baptism. I was able to go with some tweaking of the hymns being played. It was great and a great way to start of the New Year at a baptism. I was able to share my testimony of the restoration at the baptism as well and to thank Bro. Frisks parents for raising the type of kid that would be open to the gospel. Afterward they came and thanked me for my words. It was nice to be useful.

School has been really good since I have been back. The kids have been good and there has not been so many of them yet. I have several in a detention facility and mental health facilities. I miss them and hope they can return to our classrooms soon. I know they miss us too. I wish they all had a good home life with some support. Breaks my heart.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-10T08:44:00.001-08:00

So we have had so much snow it is everywhere and I love it. It has a special way of putting everyone in the Christmas Spirit. Yesterday we had some ice fog and it made all the trees and anything outside crusted in white ice and it truly looked like a winter wonderland. Gorgeous!!!
I have less than 48 hours before I fly home and can hardly contain myself and not sleeping much at night with excitement and fears of leaving behind my camera or some item.

Last night I went on such a fun date with a guy I have been wanting to go out with for awhile. We had a blast and I am sad he is moving to Idaho before I get back. =-) We went out for Asian food and he showed me how to make Pho' it was so yummy! Then he took me to the mall where we played at an arcade and won tons of tickets. I hit a bonus on one game and scored 500 tickets. It was a great time! We cashed in our tickets and got lots of fun treasures. Then got ice cream and roamed around the mall. We went into the neatest photog shop all about the Aurora Borealis. The photographer was there and so kind. He's pics were amazing and I hope that I see the Auroras soon.

I am missing Pandora. I have not Internet at home and def. missing my stations esp Chris LeDeoux something about his voice is raw and a few of his songs always make me cry.

Christmas Story

2009-12-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago a friend shared a story about his life in Africa with us. He told us how when he was little his country was in a civil war and that he fled to South Africa seeking assylum and left there and went to another country but was starving on the rations he was given. Finally he was granted a visa to come to the USA to Alaska. He told how scared he was when he was interievewed to come and that he was sure they wanted to kill him. Several times he wanted to just die and give up. He told how he has 12 brothers and sisters and doesn't not where they are or if they are alive. It was heart breaking and so humbling to have so much here in the states and not to know war the way other people know it.

Yesterday he told a few more details of this story how his one brother was shot in front of his family and his mom was abused by the guerilla's. He recounted coming here and longing to hear his mothers voice just one more time. We were all crying our eyes out. He talked about crying out to God to answer his prayer for his family and that all he wanted was to hear his momma's voice one more time. He said he was speaking to a friend who escaped Africa too who was in Idaho and that his friend had spoken to someone in Africa who had seen his momma. He told his friend to give him his number so he could try to find her. He did call the friends's friend and he said your mom is alive give me two days to find her and track her down and we will call you. He said for those two days he was so worried he wouldn't find her. But he called him and my friend was able to speak to his momma and hear her voice. How happy he was he said he felt fat talking to her. I thought that was a great ananolgy to the feelings you feel that you think will make you explode you are so happy. So full. I was having a hard time containing my emotions during his story.

I am so blessed in so many ways. I was grateful for him for sharing this story. You could not be in that room and not have been humbled and touched. It made me long to be home for Christmas even more and blessed that I can do this. I love my family emensley and can not imagine not knowing where they are or how they are.

I hope we are taking the time to look beyond the hub bub of the holidays to what really matters!!

On a lighter note. Friday night Eagle River had their tree lighting ceremony and my friend's daughter sang with her Elementary choir so I went and there we went on a Sleigh Ride, played with some Reigndeer, and then got sushi. Yummo!

We had a sleepover Saturday after I took those girls shopping and we watched 3 of the Home Alones. I talked to mom and she said they watched them to with the grandkids. She told me Jacob my downs nephew who is 5 was laughing so loud and long and that he kept acting out the aftershave part of the show. SO cute. I can't wait to see him. Friday is my flight home. YAY!!!!

thanksgiving fun

2009-11-25T15:25:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to write a short list of things I am Thankful for

~ My Heavenly Father and all that He has given me --my health and that it is not worse ha!

~Momma and Daddy

~My immediate family esp all the nephews and nieces they add so much to my life.. Jacob he has such a way of making me smile. ..but I love them all equally.

~My garganchewan extended family Mandy, Tana, Val, Sarah, Tyler, Jeremy, John John, all the rest too but these have been there for me in many ways many times

~Friends good ones that know me and keep tabs on me

~ Snow I find it so magical

~ Sunshine

~ Music esp that of my dad and siblings around a fire..yay

~ Food I love it all the flavors textures colors* cooking is like art for my soul

~Pictures and memories

Many more but these are at the top

thoughts

2009-11-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

I might be getting a new member of the family..details are not pinned down yet but..if things go as planned I will be going to Idaho over Christmas break driving with all my siblings and parents..how fun. I am so excited. I am hoping we can lay over in Salt Lake one evening and see some mission friends, cousins, and temple square all light up.

It has been cold -5 for highs. Brrrrr. the inside of my car has ice in it from my breath. The moisture around the trees freeze and the look white. It is gorgeous.

Sunrise 9 17 am sunset 4 12 pm.

Crazy day at school today. I had a student get pretty physical in my room. Knocked down my wooden dream sign and took the flags out of it and was hitting it on the chalk tray trying to break it...they didn't break strong little dowels...then kicked my wooden box that holds the markers and destroyed that and threw the recycling bin. It always gets the adrenaline going when stuff like that happens and you feel bad but there is only so many options you can give before you ask them to leave your room.

Did anyone know Venezualeans have a rodeo event where they pull cows down by their tails from their horses. Weirdest thing I have heard so far. It looks hilarious watching someone do it.
THey put their leg over the saddle horn and try to pull it down.

winter has arrived

2009-11-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

a little bit of snow oh yay!

this weekend I went to a free day at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. It was amazing. they were hosing the Lakota Sioux dance theatre it was incredible. I took my good friend and colleague's girls with me. We had a great time.

It had snowed a little bit in Eagle River but Sunday evening the skies let loose and we got some substantial snow. Everything is so beautiful today. I need to get the snow tires put on my tiny car to keep us from sliding all over.

peeling a pumpkin makes me feel proud and mormon!

2009-11-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

So for my 8th grade US history we are having a "colonial" day. I cooked and peeled a pumpkin--for a colonial recipe of pumpkin soup. Shelled black walnuts to make ink. Now I am off to buy some feathers to make some quills to write with. I feel like a mormon woman today. knowing what to do with a pumpkin just has to be a qualifier for mormon womanhood right? =-) We are know for our resourcefulness. I am sure if my mom or grandmother were here they would have thought I threw too much away and found a good use for the rhines. that old addage use it up make it do or do without thing... It was super easy I must say and ( I am kinda proud of myself for not just opening a can) now to see how the soup actually turns out.

We are also going to make red ink from berries and have johnny cakes with butter they are going to shake. I hope it will leave a lasting impression and give a glimpse into the life of the colonists.

Still no snow. I love it and find it really magical even still and am beginning to wander if it is ever going to come. All is well though.

For those of you who have not listened to Pres Uchtdorfs ces talk from Sunday you should. It was amazing.

Goodbye sunshine and fall

2009-10-29T08:15:00.001-07:00

Alaska has surprised me this year. Last year we had snow on the ground and temps in the 30's during the day in October. This year I have seen snow flakes once for about 2 minutes on the way to seminary two days ago. I loved it got me thinking about Christmas and home and babies and we all know how I feel about babies....I digress anyway this year NO snow and temps in the upper 40's so we had a "fall" it was gorgeous! It is officially freezing outside during the days now and 15 at night.

Sunrise 9:21

Sunset: 6:06

Total sunshine: 8 hrs and some minutes ..math not my strong suit.

This year in addition to taking some vit. D I try to take a walk outside during lunch to catch some of the sun. NO view of the Mountains this year from my room but I like my classroom.

New Baby pictures yeah!!!

2009-10-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Jack with Paw paw. I hear he is such a little cutie Jared look alike. I can't wait to kiss those cheeks in less than two months!

Janeen had a work event in Orlando and was able to score dinner with Justin and Amanda and the new Keely McKinney. I also can't wait to kiss this little girl.

Amanda looks super huh? XOXOXOXOXOXOXOOOX baby love Aunt Katie

Motivation

2009-10-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

So we changed the middle school schedule around. We combined our 8th grade class and split up the 7th grade one we celebrated with a party. The students I work with are hard to motivate so I came up with the pod race. Each class has a crab and it races to the top. Good behavior (collectively) makes the crab go up negative behaviors make the crab go down. This helps them to identify the negative behaviors and self correct all I do is move the crab. For individual success if they make a hundred on their point sheets--a document with their IEP goals and then school skills. IF they individually get a 100% on their school skills and IEP goals they put their name in for a drawing we do on Fridays so even if the class looses crab ground they can be successful individually. Never mind my crazy hair we had just taken a wagon wheel picture with all our heads together. Their faces are covered so I could put this picture up =-)

This morning in seminary. We ended second nephi. I had the students write a farewell letter to their families and a few of them shared what they wrote and it was powerful. I hope they realize how many people care about them! I know I still feel my parents love and I am a grown woman living thousands of miles away. It was nice to have something I planned for seminary work out the way I wanted it to.

Cole's request

2009-10-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was talking to Jared and his group..Emily has lost some bottom teeth. Luke is talking like crazy and Cole asked me to send him a fourwheeler. He knows I send him things and I guess to a 3yr old a four wheeler is a modest request. I will try to send him a mini one but if anyone wants to contribute for a big one let me know and I can make a 3yr old a pretty happy little guy. It is one of my favorite things to do with my nephews and was one of my favorite things to do with my Uncle Delwin. He got all us "Sherwood" grandkids hooked on riding and loving it.

Thanksgiving with the Canadians

2009-10-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

So my 7th grade world geography students were studying Canada right when it was Canada's Thanksgiving. Since they are in a colder region they celebrate early because their growing season is shorter than ours. It was a great excuse to do a Thanksgiving type meal. I did substitute a rotisserie chicken for a turkey but we had mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cookies, and of course pumpkin pie with whipped cream and had Canada Dry ginger ale and juice for our sparkling punch. The boys all helped design and set the table. They mashed the potatoes I cooked in the microwave, opened the cans of green beans, and rolled out the cookies into balls...never ask 7th grade boys to make balls... never good conversation after that. All in all it was excellent. They all stayed out of trouble today so they could attend and I had them for almost an hour and a half and kept them all...success is MINE!

I think the bottom picture is obscure enough of my students face to post. We played put the hat on the Turkey. Yippee. As soon as I let him go he fell down I felt bad =0( no permanent damage done.

PS During all the feasting our school secretary announced there is a moose on the playground area please keep all students inside until it is gone. Not an announcement you hear too often. of course we all opened our doors to take a peek. Young moose no rack ,yet.

wonderful weather

2009-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Last year the first snow hit the first weekend in October and man have we had some amazing weather lately. Highs in the low 50's or high 40's the leaves that are left are gorgeous colors. I had a great time Saturday taking some pictures and playing in the leaves. I will add some here later. I heard that the lower 48 got snow dumped on them and had to smile a little and bask in every day without snow. I love the snow but know I will get plenty soon enough. YAY! for fall days.

Best companion ever

2009-10-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel "companionless" and my heart aches..and then I read from the Book of Mormon and instantly I realize I have been given a wonderful companion that will never abandon, lead astray, take my money and run, use or abuse plus I don't have to wait for it to call or decode it's motives.

I am so grateful for a companion who never complains or laughs at or argues with me but who always reassures me I am good and deserving. One who reminds me who I really am..a daughter of God with divine capabilities for good. It is the always there and always reassuring. Most importantly it points me to place my trust, faith, and hope in Christ who is the best companion you could ever have. It does have a few draw backs although it's pages sometimes catch my tears it is not so good at hugging; yet sometimes when I read, I do feel as if I am enveloped and it does reassure me that I can be eternally encircled in the arms of Jesus which is pretty close to a hug. right? It has yet to pay for a date but It is always there when I need it and that is more than I could ask for.

I know this book was translated by the power of God. People have to explain this marvelous book somehow and if they would just read they would know there is no explaining it away; it is from GOD. Another testament of Christ that He lives and that He will restore the House of Israel and His covenant to His chosen people. How He loves me and this love sustains me through shadow and sunshine

General Conference

2009-10-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning

Pres Monson announced 5 new temples * Brigham City Utah Chile, Frotalaze Brazil, Ft. Lauderdale Fl, and Japan. He said that 83% of membership lives within 200 miles of a temple. How amazing!!He asked us to pray for him and for the opening of areas to the gospel and to befriend the new converts.

Elder Scott -- Spoke about recieving revealation. He gave us his pattern for recieving knowledge ..first had some feeling then 2. wrote them down 3 pondered and wondered about their meaning 4. thanked Heavenly Father for the inspiration and then 5. asked if there was more he was supposed to learn and often there would be.

* The Lord will not force you to learn. --this my fav quote from his talk.

Sister Matsumori-- She also spoke about he Holy Ghost and how to be guided in our lives.

* Provide a still and quite time daily to provide the Holy Ghost a time to give us peace or instruction.

Elder Clayton- * Burdens become blessings. And Submit to all the will of the Lord.

President Osguthorpe--* goal of gospel teaching is not to pour knowledge but inspire students to think about, feel and LIVE the gospel. And ** Learning and teaching are not optional on the pathway to personal growth and testimony. He quoted Bednar's pattern 1. teach a key doctrine 2. invite them to live it 3. promise the blessings that will come.

Elder Bednar-- was one of my FAVORITE talks from word go!! He spoke about how we need to be-MORE DILIGENT AND CONCERNED AT HOME-- in three ways 1. Express love and back it up with action 2. bare your testimony 3. be consistent (then close the gap of hypocracy)
* Gradually we can decrease the disparagy between what we say and do by learning, living, and loving the restored gospel.

President Uchtdorf- spoke of love and how it is at the center of what we do in the church. * What we love we seek, think, and do. And we are God's spiritual children with a vast capability to love. Keep on trying until the difficult becomes possible and the possible becomes apart of you.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON ***

Elder Oaks--talked about love and law and how we have obligation to both. * Love does not supercede divine commandments. Real love does not support self destructive behaviors.

Elder Hales--spoke about the true nature of God that he has a face, feelings, and body parts. *THe light of belief is within you waiting to be intensified.-- more to come

Seminary and the Smashing

2009-10-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

So my seminary kids have not been very participatory and just lacking a general respect for the subject matter. As I watched conference and took a nap an idea entered my mind and I knew it was from the Lord. I followed the idea and was amazed at the immediate response in some of my students.

The idea was to take a picture of Christ and smash the glass and then tear up the picture and tell them that I loved them and the Savior loved them but we each have to bring a piece to seminary and that I can only bring my piece.

I held up the picture and asked who is this. What does He expect from us. I told them after conference I knew I had to be a better teacher because He expects me too and that they are so important to the Lord and His gospel spreading. I told them that I would strive to be a better teacher. I said when they come and listen to music through the lesson or put on our makeup we smash up the Savior and tell Him we don't care or it is not important but; I testified that, He is. Then I took out the picture of Christ and said I can only bring my piece and torn off a corner then I went to each student and tore off a piece and said I need you ____(Katie) to bring your piece and handed it to them, I went around the room until they all had a small piece of the Savior. Two girls were crying and the boys seemed at least uncomfortable so I hope that was the Holy Ghost inviting them to change.

One girl after sitting for a few minutes and listening to a few quotes from conference got up and got the scriptures for the boys and her scriptures and even marked them . One of the boys entire attitude was completely changed. The other two participated more than usual. I hope that they remember what they felt and the change is permanent. Truth makes us change! _-Paker

We covered 2 nephi 10 about how America is a promised, choice, consecrated, land of liberty and then had them share their feelings about America and our freedoms. I was impressed with most of their comments. These are military kids and they have been a few places. One kid's mom came from Jamacia 26 years ago and now he is able to get an education. It was a moving day in seminary for all of us.

Denali National Park

2009-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Denali National Park with friends who won the lottery to drive their own cars thru the park. Here is some bears on a video. It was so beautiful!

New Apartment

2009-09-16T08:35:00.001-07:00

So somewhere on some card I have the pictures of the living room and bathroom but this is my bedroom. Mostly for momma. here you go. ..ps the bed riser deals work really well.

New McKinney Baby

2009-09-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

Keely Ann McKinney was born on the 10th she weighed 8 lbs 6oz. Her poor momma's epideral went the wrong way so it was a numb from the top to the middle birth..lovely I can only imagine...Keely is here and I am so excited that she is healthy and well and that she is a girl AND that her name starts with a K like mine. KKKKKKK aren't they the best letter ever. So strong and tall but balanced with the legs..symetrical so naturally beautiful. She shares is with her older brother Kade and Amanda's middle name is Kristina I think??

I am way excited about General Conference and have had some great times in the last few weeks riding bikes coming into contact with Moose..facebook photo album says it all. Moving into the 4th Apartment since being here but by far the best as far as lay out and size. My roomate Laney is amazing she can sing like nobody's business.

Seminary is going. I hope I am making some inroads. We are reviewing the Quorum of the 12 Apostles now since conference is on the way one apostle a day. We are in the middle of the bookof first Nephi it and Alma are probably my fav. books in the Book of Mormon. The only thing I would change about seminary is the TIME oh my 5 am is ever so early. I still have to find where to put exercise. I kind of miss it..shhh don't tell.

The fall colors are here and so that means beauty and the loss of sunshine. I am so much better prepared this go 'round with some VIT. D baby. It is stuningly gorgeous here now. I need to get out and take some nice pictures.

Eldon Birthday!

2009-09-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

Eldon with a bear on the alcan. horseshoe falls in Valdez

Pier 33 in san fran. st. show in seattle

Volleyball at christmas Eldon giving it his all!

Mamoth Lakes area, CA

Grand canyon

Ben's baptism

ok wind turbines
Eldon and Mr. Segall in Valdez ALASKA

Valdez whale cruise..amazing

16th birthday with the nephew's and Quincy...i'll never forget the morning Q left for his mission and eldon crying. he'll never be my brother again.

San Antonio spring break 07

eldon and baby coley bob

Eldon was born on my bff bday Larissa McDonald. I will send her bday wishes later.

I was 10 when Eldon was born and had such a great time being his lil momma. I loved to dress him up as a girl. He was and adorable baby and still is.

So Eldon had his big 18th Birthday yesterday. He is such an amazing guy I thought I'd put together a little birthday blog for him!! Eldon you are a tough kid always working so hard at whatever it is you are doing. You set an example to me sometimes with your dedication to the gospel and your gospel study. You would leave now for a mission and stay out 3 years if they would let you. YOU love the Lord and that is more attractive than any other quality or hair you could ever have or loose. =0)

Eldon you are HILARIOUS! Last year when we drove up to Alaska together we had a great time. You are always cracking me up! So he made a few wrong turns that took us a couple hours to make up. He was so good to unload all my junk everynight so we could put down the bed for mom and dad to sleep in. Watching Eldon meet Mr. Stephen Segall was hysterical he was shell shocked he kept saying ,"I just met Steven Segal". (i know i used two dif. spellings idk how to really spell it) My life would be a lot less fun without Eldon to make me laugh!! and scream he toatlly picked me up threw me over his shoulder and ran around with me until he dumped me on the couch when i was home over the summer. big tough man thought i was gonna die and kill his back in the process but it was great to feel like a little kid again.

He is such a good uncle too always playing and "spanking" the nephews and nieces. He is so cute when he is snuggling with the kids and tickleing them. Emily Rae told me she loves him the best but he needs to learn that only her daddy can spank her.

I love you "Arnie" (quincy's 3 boy couldn't say Eldon so he said arnie for awhile and then it was two or three others until he could say Eldon) wish I was there for the big day. I love you, you big sweetie!!! I mean you big tough guy.

great weekend - weird monday

2009-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was spent helping Kay my colleague move into her first Alaskan house. I am staying with her until my apartment is ready for me. She is an amazing momma; so patient. They have two adorable girls 8 and 2 the youngest one calls popcorn cockcorn. I about fell out laughing the first time I heard her say that. I took two breaks from the move to help. 1 for a baptism and another one for church.

The Spirit is always so powerful at baptisms. I was asked to speak and I spoke on Christ's love for us. I used my favorite scripture in Isaiah. Can a mother forget her sucking child? ..She may forget but I will not forget thee I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands. I love the imagery in that verse. His love for me motivates me to do and become a better person. I am so happy for Mary and her decision to follow Christ's footsteps to be baptized so she can "enter the kingdom of God." John 3: 5

Sunday we got a new Bishop. (the priesthood leadership of our congregation they usually serve 5 years. Not one cents pay) Our old Bishop and his wife were so kind and loving to all of us. You could just tell that he loved you by the way he shook your hand and looked into your eyes. So kind. I will miss Bishop Kent Jackson. Normally the Bishop is still in your congregation but in a singles ward not so much plus our Bishop is moving to Idaho.

Our new Bishop was a couselor to our old one and he was a Stake President here before. He has a totally different leadership style and I am excited to learn from this gospel scholar. The change is always bitter sweet..this one was no different.

Monday my homeroom is 2 students. 1 was absent for home room and then I have them for 2 period and the other one decided to go truant..leave school grounds. So I had an extra prep period. I also have them for a 30 min social emotional class and they were not there either. My 4th period class did not feel like working so they spent the class period with their heads down. My 3rd period class was one student. Who know's what 5th period will bring. 1st period was normal 7 students. Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad was the lesson.

Seminary Room

2009-08-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

New glasses..don't know how to rotate these pictures..any bloggers that can help let me know.

Seminary

Expectations

Seminary is going ok. I love the Book of Mormon and am so excited to share that love with the youth here. They are trying to be good kids

All my expectations 1 focus on seminary 2 Invite the Holy Ghost to be the true teacher.

- If I am focused on seminary & love the Lord then I will make sure my phone is off

_ then I will hold my talking until sem. is over

You get the idea.

Hodge podge

2009-08-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

A few gripes. 1) Public bathrooms a) stall doors..why do they always swing in instead of out? I am a big girl and can barely get in and then have room to swing the door out. I mean I virtually have to stand on the toilet and then shut the door. b) no hooks for coats or purses or diaper bags..really? women don't have anything to carry! give me a break. esp here in AK I mean we have coats, hats, scarves I don't like to pee on my outer wear kinda gets frozen when I go outside.
On a positive note I did find a bathroom on the way to AZ this summer that had a toddler seat made by the diaper changing table people inside the stall on the wall. Simply buckle in your little person and then you have free hands and don't wonder where are they crawling? I thought that was a genius idea; not having kids myself I never thought about what to do when you got to go with an infant in your arms..put them on the floor NO ...leave them in the buggy..I think NOT..so a one handed job.. buttons are hard one handed. I was in MANY MANY bathrooms this summer and only saw 1 of these. Geeze people consult a female when you are building a building we will help you with the bathroom!

Kay Papakristo is my dear friend here at my nameless school. She is moving and has offered for me to stay at their new place. How sweet is that. We went and got Sushi Tuesday night and once over the weekend. I LOVE IT.!! We had a roll that was tempuraed and it was yummy and one with melted cheese on top with salmon. MMMM I went and took her girls to the park while she packed. They are 8 and 2. It was just what I needed some time outside enjoying this last few weeks without snow. Plus having little fingers wrap around mine and say pwease swing me 'gin is soo nice to hear. I love to push them and hear their little laughs; OH it does so much for my soul!

A good friend is getting baptized this weekend and I am so excited for her. She was worried that she just wanted to be a "Mormon woman" and make homemade bread, sew, quilt, scrapbook, can you own food and all the other neato stuff Mormon women are known for. She found that the Book of Mormon is a record of the people here on the American continent whom Christ visited after His Resurrection. She knows now that they are sheep of His "other fold" that He said he would visit and that it was translated by a prophet of God-Joseph Smith. I am happy that she has found what has brought me much JOY.

Earthquake

2009-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

So I finally felt my first earthquake today teaching. I was introducing myself and it sounded like the wind was blowing the ceiling really hard..like a trailer in a thunderstorm. The kids asked what was that I said just the wind but my new Teachers Assistant said no that was a earthquake. I can't say I felt it in my feet or body but I definitely heard it and that my friends is counting in my book..a 5.0.

No one threw anything at me or had any major incidents so I am calling it a good first day. My TA got in there like a pro and was super. She is older and has 3 kids so she knows how to get in and help. My schedule is homeroom-- I am doing an Idiom of the day to get us started and will move into social studies/history info. 1st period is 6th grade SS reconstruction to present, 2nd period is 8th grade SS Colonial days to Present 3rd period is 6th grade SS again, 4th 8th grade SS, 30 min lunch then 30 minutes of WHY TRY a social emotional program then 5th period is 7th grade world geography, 6th period is my prep period. I like my schedule and hope to build some strong relationships with my homeroom kids. They are 8th graders and don't know me at all. They barely tolerated me in HR and 3rd period then back at Why Try they both students ended up in the practice hall. Tomorrow is a new day though.

Got to go pack my clothes and remaining items and store them until the evicted tenants move out of mine and Laney's new place. So I will get to move my stuff twice JOY! I guess I shouldn't complain my summer rent was cheap! and the new rent will be cheap too. I will be staying with a friends parents for a week or so. Thank you Jaspers!

Ak state fair -classroom

2009-08-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

I spent the entire day at school. The last few days so frustrating doing all these "trainings" that I've been through before..when all I really want to do is be in my classroom getting it ready to go. I think I have it almost there. A few minor things to get ready in the morning and then at 7:30 they show up.

The Alaska state fair is coming up in the next few weeks. David Archuletta is coming and a big group of us Young Single Adults are going. I am so excited. I have not been to a concert in awhile. And to see David I mean; YAY!! That was the year I made momma watch American Idol with me and she is now addicted and it is all my fault. When he sang" Imagine" I cried it was so powerful!

I am sooo excited to be teaching social studies. I have been to 40 states and canada on the west and east. I have been to Mexico twice and so it will be nice to add some personal stories into the mix. I hope I will be able to share my love of our country --despite our current president...which sentiments I can't share at school...although I found a fellow conservative on campus a rarity for sure!!! and she teaches language arts and ss and la go so well together. We are definitely going to be collaborating and intergrating our curriculums.

We actually had a social studies team meeting with all the teacher and we came up with some Middle School rules and expectations and I felt like I was doing exactly what I was made to do. Elementary school is for the truly angelic!

New School Year

2009-08-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

So I thought before I start jabberin about how freakin excited I am for this new school year..I wanted to List Poem last years adventures

08 School Year
* Moose almost walking in the automatic doors
* Black bear in the playground
*asking where is the bathroom, my class room, um..the library
*no math curriculum 'til Christmas
*getting stabbed with a pencil, bit, hit by my own podium-- yes I am back for year two
*getting called Fat A## B*&^$ so often I got nicknamed FAB-ulous
* having my desk completely swiped clean by a student
* getting sweet notes from my students
*getting a letter at school from Gma and pa Sherwood--made my week--I wrote them first
* fighting with Ms. E
*Coach D health lessons oh my! adolescent boys
* calling a student my sister's name in exasperation
*field trip good times!
*field day
* feeling like a success because of my student's growth
*getting a mentor
* the sunshine coming out again and having class outside to soak it ALL up!
*daily hugs from my toddler like Fetal Alcohol Student so dang cute!!
*feeling lonely the last day after the kids were gone and wondering if it always feel like that
*seeing the excited on the face of a student when we met on the coastal trail

So I am really excited for school to start and meet the 8th graders. Social Studies is going to be so much better than Elementary. All the content areas and trying to intermingling all the subjects was quite a chore. God bless elementary school teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!

My classroom is coming together and I have found some cool techno websites..like voicethread and loc.gov; flippin sweet the library of Congress!! Gonna be amazing! Someone gave me some free demo Putaymo CD's the world music ones. Got some cool stuff from my summer travels to make a bulletin board out of . I have an entire wall that is magnetized and one entire wall of whiteboard and a bathroom in my class. A teacher gave me a mini fridge to use for the year. Now I need a couch in there to nap on in between school and my busy social evenings. Getting up at 5 am to be at the Church at 5:50 is gonna be an adjustment.

I am also going to be teaching early morning seminary. (LDS youth do 4 years of "seminary" 9-12th grade we rotate old testament, new testament, book of Mormon, and doctrine and covenants)This year is the Book of Mormon. I still have most of the scripture mastery scriptures memorized. I hope that all will go well there too! I have the sophomores. I love the Book of Mormon and how it clarifies so much of the Bible. It truly is another Testament of Christ..that He lived, and Lives now and has the power to heal us.

Just as a random thought for guys who clearly need some help with that whole thinking thing-- ..guys should always tell close "friends" they are getting married over the phone or some other direct method. Another tid bit for the fella's if you are dating multiple girls that is great but don't let them find out on Facebook you have committed to one of them.

Great Uncles and Aunts testimonies of gospel of Jesus Christ

2009-08-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

I ran out to get my notebook and was soon feeling like I was going to die in that 8,000 ft elevation and missed Aunt Anita's remarks but asked a few of my aunts and they said she was really brief but here are her highlights and my uncles remarks. I will write them as if they are speaking but know that I am filling in a word or two here and there.

Aunt Anita Gwen
The most important thing to me are my family and my brothers and sisters here and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that it is true.

Milton Ray
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is true. I am so grateful for the heritage we have in the church. Paul (his son) recently made it possible for me to go to the Sacred Grove, Pageant (Hill Cumorah Pageant) , the Book of Mormon press (Grandin Bld). I don't know how they made the sacrifices they did. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true; the older I get the more I appreciate the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be here. I know the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith as well as I know ANYTHING. I know Jesus is the Christ.
Families, Church, and to be an American..I don't know how to separate them. When I see people disrespect the flag it hurts me down to my bones. I am proud to be an American. I love my family and not just the ones I live with- you are All my family. I am so grateful for Jackie and Katie ( John and Barbra's daughter and granddaughter--me and mom) who made it possible for me to be here. I testify of the divinity of Christ I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

John Delwin
My Brothers and Sisters I am grateful to be with you here today. I am grateful for Barbara and all she does- to bring 12 children into the world. She is a mother to 65 grandchildren and 65 great grandchildren we have. Several years ago why I said to her," They are gonna call me to be Stake Patriarch." She said, " well John how do you know that?" , I told her ," I just know." Friday night I got the telephone call Brother Sherwood Mark E. Petereson wants to visit with you and he did. I am grateful for opportunity of serving my Father in Heaven. I know God is my Eternal father in heaven that Jesus Christ is His only begotten son that they appeared to Joseph Smith on that Spring Day in April of 18and20. The Angel Moroni appeared and gave him the plates that would be translated into the Book of Mormon-it is TRUE. It testifies that the Bible is true and brings us closer to Father in Heaven than any other book -said the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet as well as the 12 we sustain as prophets seers and revelators. I know if we are obedient to teachings and example of the prophet and the teachings in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and in the Old and New testament we will have joy and happiness and without it we won't have joy and happiness.

Wayne
Many are called and few are frozen (after walking stiffly from his seat where he had been sitting for an hour and a few min. already) I mean chosen. I am happy to be here. I love each and everyone of you. I know this gospel is true it gives us the opportunity to find our way home..if we follow example of Savior. "For behold how long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? (he struggled to get this going from his memory but waited for a minute and said it might be slowing in coming but it must come, so cute) As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. Behold there are many called but few are chosen.
I am grateful for my mom and dad and brothers and sisters we are quite the gathering of the posterity of Dan and Sophronia Sherwood. I appreciate their great example to me and their teaching me the gospel. I would/could be ready to go on another mission in 10 minutes. Each one of you look forward to a mission. Spread the gospel message through the world. Which side we are on depends on us..then he proceeded to quote these verses pretty good for an 80 something?! Be ye doers of the word and not hearer only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a herere of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way and straightway forgettheth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perect law of liberty, and continueth therein he being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart this man's relgion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widow in their affliection, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
May the Lord bless each of us. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of a Living God. I know Joseph Smith restored the gospel to the world. I know this!

Norvall
So grateful to belong to this people. I remember bailing hay-we used to have to do that on Sunday when we did we did Sunday on the next day. We are what we are because of our parents. We didn't have opportunity to go to primary or priesthood we were only taught by our parents. They took the honeymoon trail and were gone 6 weeks to go to the temple. Then he told a story that I missed the details of about how Dan met Sophronia and then they settled in St. Johns. 10 years ago we were called as temple workers. My good wife joined at 10 years old; she went to mutual one night and stayed with a non member friend. I decided to go visit with her and her friend. 67 years ago we got married on a 72 hour pass from the military then I left on a 2 year mission.
Greatest joy of all is working in the temple and to see you (my family) in the temple. It was so nice to have you stop by and say I am so and so's nephew or kid. My 2nd Friday home (after being released) tell Barbra if they need me I'll go back (to the temple).
So grateful for my wife who helped me do those things I needed to be about. Be of service in the church. I was called to serve as an Elder's Quorum President and I was not endowed the person extending the call said guess that is an opportunity for serving and growth. How fortunate we are to be called and to answer those calls. I am grateful for the 3 couples who served. We're proud of you. We now have 3 patriarchs in the family (lds position). Go forth strengthen one another. May the Lord bless us and our children and grandchildren. This Sherwood name is know throughout the world. I am so grateful for gospel in our lives and the lives of our families. May the Lord be with us in our efforts to be about what we need to be about.

Larry
3 older brothers and 3 older sisters and 6 younger bothers and sisters. I am in the middle. You know what that means squeezed in the middle. Above me they achieved in everything below me they were cute and achieved in everything. But I had A first. I was the first one to serve a mission. It was the one time in my life I was first. I think this was a great influence on my younger brothers; they all served missions. And the older ones served with their wives when they were older. In my opinion we are a missionary family. At my missionary homecoming I was visiting with a fellow I knew he asked, "how many did you convert?" I told him "none" he responded " well what did you do then?" I planted seeds and helped them desire to learn. The Spirit converts. We must want to do good before we do good we must desire to grow before we grow. My testimony to you is the gospel properly lived gives us that desire to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Each one of us has a great responsibility to share the gospel. We have set backs and disappointments that gives us strength and makes us go on. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and members of this family go forward and carry out the desire of our parents and grandparents by living and sharing the gospel both spiritually and physically. I say physically because if you don't adhere to the laws of the gospel then bodies won't have the desire and power to do the Lord's work.

Bill
We love our family. It is good to be here. Whether by my own voice or the voice of my servant it is the same. President Hinkley 4yrs ago in general conference spoke about Joseph sold into Egypt and the 7 good years and 7 bad years. I suppose we are in the beginning of those 7 bad years. Savior said there will be tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome tribulation. My counsel to you today is that there will be tribulation but be of good cheer. The one safe path is to follow those called as prophets.
In 1929 we drove about 100 head of cattle in the fall of that year. Dad said sell all but 8 cows to milk CJ and I drove cows to the rail road to McNary. Dad drove the food wagon. We were paid 10 cents a pound for that bunch of cows. We paid off all debt; in October of 29. Then the great Depression happened. The twenties were called the roaring twenties. There were plenty of jobs and money. President Hinkley in his talk was warning us that the time had come when there would be not so many jobs. We needed to prepare just as Joseph of old commanded to prepare to store food. We know Joseph worked his way from slave to manager
Brothers and Sisters I suggest with all my heart we as a family begin to prepare and become a Zion people. That we work together to support and strengthen love one another. I think we will have tough times--Follow the prophet he will lead us through these times if we listen and obey. Our Father has promised he will lead, guide, protect us if we will be obedient. Each of us that are baptised covenanted to always remember Him and keep the commandments which he has given. The Lord told Abraham we will go down and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell and we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them : And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon ...and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.
My testimony is the only sure way through these times is to follow the prophet. The time will come when all you have to eat is what you have stored or can grow. Tighten your belts be valiant in the testimony of Jesus. Do all things we are commanded if we do we are promised we will receive the blessings. If you almost keep the commandments then you almost get the blessings. We don't want almost. Keep the commandments therein lies safety.
I am so grateful for my heritage, for my parents who taught me in 3 ways: Example, Example, and Example. Only time I remember dad talking about the church is when---- I missed where he was or what the circumstance was but Dan said--- he said Bill I have always known Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He taught me the rest(of the gospel) by his life. I knew he believed what he said. I am grateful to you. I love you . I respect you. Remember Remember, the Book of Mormon is full of those two words, Oh my son remember God lives and loves each of us individually. He is bound by law to bless us if we keep His commandments. I leave this testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I learned so much at reunion about the originals. I didn't realize that 6 of the 14 served in WWII. I didn't know that each of the boys had two names and most went by their middle name until they entered the millitary. Uncle Larry was so humorus telling my cousin Valerie about her husband David he could have done better on his own (finding david). Uncle Bill gets along the best out of all the originals and he is the oldest. He was teasing Larry that he couldn't open up a gatorade bottle because "I shut it tight." The older ones were teasin' the younger ones about who did what work on the farm.

It was so neat to be there and to feel of their love for me and for our family. I think there was a larger gathering on the other side of our great great great grandparents and family wondering how we will turn out and hoping we will be valiant and make good choices that honor them and their sacrifices and honor our Father in Heaven and His Son.

More Reunion

2009-08-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Close to Nutrioso, round valley, eager az.

Virgina Reel, auction, volleyball in the dark and during the day, cooking, eating, holding and playing with babies, listening to stories from the early 1920's, so much fun! Seeing cousins, 2, 3,4,5 cousins, great uncles, serving family, all equals a great time.

It was so funny this one little girl wanted to play volleyball with all us john sherwood kids and we said sure. Who are you..Daisy..who is your dad..john..oh i don't know him ...who is your grandpa...um steve..don't know him who is your great grandpa..wayne oh ok I know him come play. we had to go back to her great grandpa before I knew how she fit into the gang. I had a blast!

The stagecoach was in Santa Roasa NM. The pic above is my cousin Tyler Slade and some of his gang.

Below is my granpa calling the virgina reel in our sherwood forest family lodge. He is just behind me in the red shirt.

The one below that is all of us waiting for the program to start. we have a talent show fri and sat night. the dean of the byu viloin dept was there and man was it amazing to hear him play.
Cody hancock was not there but he is a world champion bull rider and Matt sherwood a world champion team roper. we have some talent family.

Reunion Trip

2009-08-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ray mom and me at the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum. It was so powerful! I would highly recommend it for anyone.

Well did I have a great trip to Arizona! It was so much fun getting to know some of my Sherwood and Jones cousins and great uncles better. Momma and me drove out with Uncle Ray my grandpa's brother. Ray has always been like a second grandpa to me and ever since I was a little girl he has called me his Katie dibs..why I don't know. It was awesome. He did great traveling there and back.

We drove strait through on Wednesday. Thurday we went to Grandpa Sherwood boyhood ranch and had a good time listening to stories of when he was little.

Friday and Saturday was full of games and fun for everyone involved.

Sunday was the highlight though. 3 missionary couples reported in on their missions and all the remaining original 14 bore powerful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of their families, their love for country, and gave some very good advice. I wrote down what they said and will try to get it typed and published soon. Will write more later.

Vacation

2009-07-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Well what a whirlwind of wonderfulness in the wet humid south. I am enjoying my stint in Arkansas.

A week in Florida. We saw 2 of my dad's sisters and some of their kids and grandkids. All the highlights involve Kade and his cute little voice, or visiting with family. We stopped at my Grandpa's house and that was fun. We also stopped at my cousins in Alabama Lamond and Rachel. They are always so welcoming and boy can Rachel cook?! Oh wee. Homemade seedless blackberry jam. ..need I say more?

Since being home I have seen a few people who are leaving on vacation themselves so I was excited to be able to do that. I went to a wedding reception for a good friend Angela and Karl Smith. She looked so cute. I got to see a lot of people there. Spent that day in and around Rose Bud, AR. I loved driving around the old high school stomping grounds. I forgot how beautiful it is here. A different kind of beauty than Alaska but still beautiful. Stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa Sherwood. That was good. He is still the same. It was good to see her taking it easy.

Stake Conference (all the LDS congregations in the central ar area all meet together) is this weekend so I will get to see lots of friends and their kids on Sunday. This is always fun and a smidge hard. I want so much to be with someone and to make a family and be the wife and mom I know I can be. I am happy for them and anxiously await my turn. I am so blessed and feel bad sometimes asking/wanting more. But "more" is connected to my progression and I am ready to move onward.

Well I am going to run wanted to get a few highlights down.

Oh on our Florida trip I took some of momma's old journals for her to read to us and they were really good. I have no idea how she kept up with a journal during all her moves and little ones, but I am sure glad she did. She is such an amazing example to me. I hope that I will be able to half the woman she is. She was always expressig grattitude for her blessings and acknowledging her faults and trying to make her marriage and family better. She has been a superb mother. I need to do better with my journal. Between it and this blog. I should have a decent documentation of my life.

I am missing the temple and a certain fella... man relationsips are hard..when do you have those akward conversations about feelings that are growing? I feel really blessed that we have been able to communicate daily since I have been gone and I really really enjoy that. It always makes me feel special and brings a goofy smile to my face. Thanks.

Home

2009-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

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Man what a long flight from Anchorage to Dallas! I did not get much sleep. Sammy John, Eldon, and MOmma came to pick me up from the airport. It was sooo good to see them.

We then went to lunch with all the siblings except our Florida resident brother Justin. It was good to be in the same place with them. I love talking on Skype with them but in person is best.

I got to take a nap, worked out, then had FHE with the family. Momma made my favorite her lasagna.

I played outside with the kiddos. We went on rides on the Ranger. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to ride on ATv's. I was having as much fun as they were.

Stayed over at Jared and Ann Maries but on the Trampoline with Sam, Emily, and Cole. It was perfect weather for it. It was so nice to see the sun go down. I love the AK sunshine but sometimes it is a wee bit annoying to have sunlight coming in your room at 3 am when the sun is coming up. I had a great time looking at the stars and telling them stories. Emily had a lot of questions about what are stars? how do you get there? what is a falling star? who lives up in the stars? She is so dang cute!! I am pretty sure the information I gave her was not 100% accurate but it was sufficient for her.

Today I went to lunch with Janeen and Momma at La Huerta my favorite Mexican place. We had a good time. Me and Momma went to buy some fabric for a new temple bag one that will keep my dress a little more unwrinkled than my current one. I am excited and we found patterns to sew new temple dresses and some sweet white fabric that won't wrinkle. YAY!!

I am having a great time enjoying the family and holding all these babies. I love it. I can't wait to do this full time. I love teaching but I was made to be a momma.

We leave tomorrow for Florida to see Justin, Amanda, and baby Kade. Amanda is expecting a baby girl in September. We are all so excited to see her and add some more girls to the family.

Beth's Wedding - Seward Whale Cruise- Friends

2009-06-26T20:15:00.001-07:00

So yeah a lot going on right now. I have been super dooper busy!! But I like it that way. I have had a wedding, a road trip, and out of town friends visiting.

Beth's wedding was really good...on the 19th. She looked amazing and James forgot his tux it was funny but did not ruin anything because the most important thing was that the were sealed together for all time and eternity in a House of the Lord. The sealer -President Owen did not have any real words of advice for them so that was different than any other sealing I have been to. For all you who are not LDS..we believe that families can be together forever -even after you are dead. That marriage can be more than ' 'til death do us part." That Christ gave this power or authority to Peter to "seal"on earth and that it was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.

The reception was amazing. The gym looked like a magical garden. My friend Nicole and Kim were driving her car and it got decorated with all the newly wed stuff and we had to drive it an hour back into Anchorage. It was hilarious!! We got some very funny looks the three of us in that

The last three pictures were from the Powerline trail. It was so beautiful the day we went up there. Flowers blooming, a stream gurgling, and birds chirping and lots of Alaska sunshine!!!

Seward was fun. Me and Kim went on the Kenai Fjords Tour. We saw some amazing marine wildlife. I really wanted to see an orca. I had no such luck but we did see a humpback whale and some other really great stuff. Nicole went on a deep sea fishing excursion and barfed the entire time poor thing...we did get a nice fish fry out of the deal. We were starved and got some food at this place in Seward me and Nicole shared the Alaskan dinner for two at a sweet 25.50 and then we got the bill and it was 60.00 bucks. Apparently it was 25 per person. That was kinda funny! We slept in the car...won't be doing that again anytime soon.

Sweet Temple Blessings

2009-06-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Summer time shot with the addition

Winter pic before they enclosed the stairs.

So since General Conference I have been trying to attend the temple weekly. Thursday night have been the night that we- me and a few friends- go. Thursdays in June are our month to help clean as well.

I couldn't find my recommend..I had it out to order something ..imagine me loosing something. I know hard to do. Ha ha ha I did eventually find it but I missed the six pm session. So I took a spin down the Turnagain Arm sooo gorgeous. Nothing like being out in God's creation to prep you for the temple. I went and sat in the Celestial room waiting for my friends to come through while I was in there. I saw two sisters talking they were I'd say in there late 50 early 60's and then their Mother came through for her first time as they embraced and talked I could tell they were her daughters. Then a pregnant grand-daughter came into the mix. I was so touched by the spirit of this family. All these women who were there in the temple together there they were with a baby in the pre-earth life and several generations there. Their Joy was palpable; I was not the only misty eye in that celestial room. With the Great grandma with the wrinkly hand putting her hand on the granddaughters belly and embracing her daughters it was JOYOUS!!!!!

Then my friend came through and it was good to see her and embrace someone and explain why I missed the session... I would have been a nutso to go hug this cute family..I love hugs..so good to feel so secure and safe..I know I am such a girl sometimes.

Laney, my friend, went to do initatories and I went and did sealings. This family came in and the Mother of the bunch the 80 year old was sealed to her parents and then they did some other family ordinances. It was sooo moving!!! I am glad that I was able to be present. I know how I long for my family both the ones in Arkansas and my eternal family. It really made me want to get into some McKinney family history. As I was seeing this 80 year old woman with her sweet daughters and granddaughters pondering if I would ever be blessed enough to have that kind of posterity I was reassured that I have already been promised those blessings. I just need to believe Him that He WILL provide when I am ready and when the time is ready.

Cleaning the temple was really neat esp. after hearing from Doug Green -who is the architect for the mini temples -about some of the symbolism in our specific temple; as Bro. Green is an Alaskan. It was neat to look for them and to see them. Me and our Elders Quorum president were on trash detail. After we finished I was given the assignment of brushing the carpet in the celestial room so that there would be no footprints or markings from the vacuum so that the only footprints that could be found there are those of whose House the Temple is. It was a really neat opportunity. I am getting to know lots of the temple workers who work on Thursday nights they are so cute!

Needless to say I LOVE the temple and being in the temple it makes me want to honor my covenants and be better than who I currently am. I have made serious promises to be who I promised to be at baptism. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father is so willing to help me on my journey back to His presence. He moves to grant me his grace at my first intimations of repentance (paraphrase from Joseph Smith manual lesson 34ish on forgiveness). I love the Spirit and am going to do better at inviting Him into my life and recognizing Him. Driving home I realized all this happened on Jared's and Jack's birthday. Awe.

New McKinney Baby! Jack Benson McKinney

2009-06-18T15:11:00.001-07:00

Looks like Jared to me...8lbs 10oz 19.5 inches...chubby little guy with dark hair.

Emily Rae looks so happy in this picture..Jack was born on Jared's 30th Birthday!! =0)

The Jared and Ann Marie children. Emily, Cole, Luke, and Jack

Just want to wish Jared a happy birthday. He has always been a great big brother he would play barbies with me and I would play Heman with him. I remember going to the pool with him when we were little tykes in Marysville and him trying to help me learn to swim. Good memories! We did tons of stuff in High School with our good friend Johnny Leach and my cousin Mandy..every weekend we were off doing something fun liking listening to him and THE RAVENS play some tunes. The night before he left on his mission to Utah slc mission. Mandy, Me and my mom stayed up all night to sew all his patches on his army duffle bag. Skittles taste the rainbow..'member that one?

As I have gotten older he has always been there to make me smile when I really felt like crying. And when I did need to cry he was always there to hold me and tell me it would all be alright and that I am amazing..cause I am! wait this is supposed to be about Jared's amazingness :D) Jared has been a great example to me to never quit studying and learning especially in the gospel. He has always been there with added insights and additional references when I ask him about gospel matters. He is more gentle than Quincy. (..who is also an amazing brother just not as gentle as Jared. Love you too Q = ) He is one who is firm in the gospel and his testimony. I love him for listening and reading my blog even when it is long and boring. I love him for taking the time to keep in touch with me and what is going on in my life. I love him for having the only niece and the sweetest nephews for me to love on while I wait....and wait...and wait...for my own. =0)

He welcomes all to his home and makes you feel loved and needed while you are there. His house has an amazing spirit and atmosphere of love for one another and for the Lord. I hope that my future home will be as warm and welcoming. Happy 30th Birthday Jared....I love you..love your little sister...Katie

Motivational Day in Anchorage

2009-06-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

The top pic is Mr. Zig Zigglar and the bottum is Mr. Mayor Rudy G.

Laney called and had tickets so I went it was fun. I will blog more abou this later.

Summer Fun

2009-06-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Some friends hitting some balls and having fun!

Me pitching to Troy...Idaho farm boys are just good!!

Me and my friend Kay and our mentor teacher Lou Ann. Love these ladies. PS steamed soy beans taste like boiled peanuts..and I love suchi!

So I bought a baseball bat and some softballs at Salvation Army for 3 bucks!! I have made use of them several times this summer. I really enjoy hitting some balls with friends.

We had a YSA summer kickoff activity out in Eagle River this weekend it was fun. We did some dancin' and eating some yummy food.

Thursday I went to the temple and did some sealings. It has been awhile since I did them. It was really neat. I love being in the temple and so blessed to live with on "in my backyard." I have been trying to go weekly since General Conference...several talks on temples and covenants..Bednar, Scott, Christofferson to name a few.

Sunday night we did Doctrine and Dessert at my friend Katie Hill's (we served in the same mission) she has a piano so we sang some hymns and then discussed Elder Christoffersons talk from General Conference about the Power of Covenants. Had a great time with good kids. Our YSA ward is amazing.

Flat top and other adventures

2009-06-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Me at Lake Eklutna with some friends..memorial day weekend

Me on top of flat top mountain..next time I hike a mountain I will check and make sure my eyes are OPEN in the picture. =0)

So I am loving the summer here!!! Tons of fun with friends...in a most spectacular place.

Highlights from the last week

FHE Memorial Day bbq went great..my last act as FHE coordinator

Softball with friends

Karaoke Bowling

Temple endowments and initaitories

Hiking Flat top (the most summitted mountain in AK) and getting snowed on, on the way down

Making breakfast for a date..he enjoyed the grits..and I LOVE them

Making Sunday dinner for friends...they loved grits and some even loved the chocolate gravy

Keeping Laney's nieces going to see "UP" and to Chuck E Cheese

Rewatching Elder Bednar's CES fireside Sunday during RS time

Eating Suchi with my mentor teacher and my BFF teacher Kay..I never would have made it through my first year of teaching without those two!

about perfect

2009-05-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

bon fire down on the beach

a fox on the beach eating some left over graham crackers

a moose on Tudor road may 16th

Me and my date on Friday the 22nd went to the Alaska Botanical Gardens and found that note on the gate..yeah we didn't go for a walk there but hit up the coastal trail...it is becoming one of my favorite places on earth!!

Memorial Day weekend

~ a date that included dinner, a long walk on the beach ** for reals** , a movie and joining a girls night

~chocolate girls night til 1:30 am

~hitting every value village (thrift stores) looking for a baseball glove and Laney made me buy some smaller shirts so I can show off my smaller figure. =)

~ buying my bike

~baseball for hours --thanks Katie Hill for setting that up I LOVED being permacatcher and only getting out once! YAY for me.

~first icecream cone of the summer

~church tomorrow

~camping sunday night at Eklutna lake --taking the bike out there nice riding around the lake

~bbq monday for Family Home Evening

~ Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

new job--kids leave--kris allen

2009-05-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

All signed up for another year at my undisclosed school location--if I told you I would have to quit. =0) I am wicked excited about next year and having a hard time focusing on finishing up IEP reports...that I should be doing right now by the way. I am excited because it will be 6, 7, and 8th grade Social Studies. YAY!!!

There is an uneasy emptiness to my room. Y'all all know I do not do ALONE well. 1. My TA is gone some days it felt like these were our kids. I could look at Mandi and she would know what to do or say with one of the kiddos. She is at her sisters graduation in TX and I am way jealous. 2. My room is bare...my classroom library is so comforting. I love to read and having them all in boxes makes me sad. I can hear them screaming let us out! The book shelves look so lonely. 3. Kids are gone. I don't know weather to laugh or cry about that one. They each have their moments but I love them anyway...can't help it.

Kris Allen won American Idol. WOW. I can not believe that some one from little ole Conway, Arkansas. That is exciting. I know my family was all excited to call and tell me hours before anything aired here. Way to go Kris.

I have another date tomorrow with Mr. Valley. He is just good...a good dad...good hard worker...good to me...just good. I like it~ Later oh p.s. I am loving my new apartment!!!!

Relief Society Spot Light

2009-05-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

1. Where do u call home?
All over~ Alaska, Utah, Pennsylvania, and the hometown of Kris Allen.

2. Describe the perfect day.
Camping and a big ole breakfast, fourwheeling in some mud with the whole family picnicking by a nice lake, then cleaning up for a dinner date with Mr. Right to the symphony, finished off with star gazing on a trampoline or a nice sturdy porch swing...they have a tendency to break.

3. How do you spend your spare time? Spare time what is that? Reading adolescent literature, church books and the scriptures, being "Auntie", being outside with friends..y'all are awesome!

4. What are some of your skills, talents? Eating it is one of my best things =0) I have a pretty good memory, I have a love for light and truth and like to dispense it to others, people have told me I am funny, I like to make people feel welcome and at home, I am amazing with small children my brothers call me "Mary Poppins" ( maybe because I carry around so many bags =)

5. What is your favorite food, place, sport, indoor activity? I love my mommas lasagna, favorite place in the arms of someone I love; hugs are the best! keep 'em coming, volleyball, indoor activity--snuggling on the couch watching some John Wayne or old family home videos.

6. What is one of your favorite scriptures and why? 2 Nephi 9:54 feast upon that which perisheth not...and let your soul delight in fatness. This verse reminds me of what is really important and keeps me focused on the spiritual rather than the temporal. And 1 Nephi 21: 16 I will not forget thee, behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. When I feel alone or forgotten this one brings me around.

7. Who is your favorite Hero/Heroine? My mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. Complete this sentence: Happiness is...(in family life) is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ...really this was the first thing that popped in my head. Happiness is also the feeling I get when I am obedient, rocking a baby to sleep, laughing with my girl cousins at 2 am, feeling so close to someone, making memories, and traveling

9. Do you have any nicknames? Weechie from my dad, Larry from some cousins

10. Do you have a favorite church song? The primary song Love is Spoken here. Family isn't it about TIME? It is the dream I hope to create; one day.

11. Where all have you lived in your life? Pre-existence, Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Alaska, and I don't know where else I aint dead yet.

Best weekend

2009-05-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

So Thursday night I went with Laney to the temple and we did some initiatorys and then an endowment session. I love doing washings and anointings! Wonderful blessings promised to us there!!

Friday night was our wards baptism night. I did conformations and helped pass out towels. It was a great time. Afterwards a few of us went out to eat and had a great time. We went to a new place. I tried some of Kevin's lamb it was really tasty but the thought of it made me sad. Poor baby sheeps. Kevin also got some creme breulee to share and boy was it yummy! One of my favorites. When we left the restaurant it was pouring down rain and there was a beautiful rainbow!!! I met Erika to go for a walk down on the coastal trail. The sunset was gorgeous. It was so clear we could see Mt. McKinley which is 6 hours north of us.

Saturday I woke up and took Cessna my room mates dog for a walk. We went exploring a little creek. She is so funny. Then I had a stake Relief Society training meeting...or what I thought was a training meeting..it turned out to be a brainstorming for our stake enrichment activity. It was good to mingle with some of the other sisters from the stake. I recognized some of them from volleyball. We are going to do that next year again. So fun to play on Saturdays with just us gals; it will help the winter go by.

Then I went home and packed the rest of my belongings and then Xiong called and asked me to go to a show with him and some friends. I took a packing break and went and saw Star Trek. I am not a huge Sci Fi girl but I must say I enjoyed the show.

Then we had a ward service activity. We raked some leaves for a veteran who can't. It was good to do some yard work...it always feels good to work hard and see such immediate results. I miss that about the farm. Can't wait to have a home of my own and start a garden. After the project we went and did a fire down on the beach and watched the sunset. I love it here!!! There was a fox meandering around the beach he got pretty close to our fire. He was a curious little guy.

Sunday I slept in. With all the sunshine I have not been sleeping really well. I was sore from all the raking but again so good to feel like you worked hard. I walked to church. It was a gorgeous day! I will miss being able to walk to church ; the new place is too far. I am excited to be living with Laurie and Janell. Janell is here for the summer working for Royal. After church I got to talk to my family on the web cam that helps SOOOO much being able to see them. Baby Daniel was so cute he was smiling at me when I was talking to him. Oh, I can't wait to HOLD him again! Jared and Ann Marie will have a new one by the time I get home. Yay!! I love the babies.

Then Laurie had a group over for one of her delicious gourmet meals. We had roast, Brussels sprouts with walnuts and parsnips, peas with a sauce and bacon, fried potatoes, a yummy salad, strawberry shortcake with hand whipped cream, and brownies. I always do the dishes cause she won't let us bring anything...occasionally she will let me stir something. Living with her is going to be "a treat" punn intended =0). Tuesday evening I will be moving the rest of my stuff over. I took a small load when I went over Sunday evening.

It was just a great weekend ; productive, full of service, sunshine, friends, and family just NICE!!!!

Birthday, fun, and KRIS ALLEN

2009-05-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well my birthday was a-maz-ing but y'all knew it would be cause I am right? he he he I went on a first date with a man from "the valley" Wasilla on Tuesday and that really set the party off right we went to dinner and a walk on one of the coastal trails. Friday I went camping with my good friend Laney and her older brother Greg and their family. I had a blast. We went out to the Eagle River and had a great time. Driving on the road to the campsite the sign says city waste facility -> camp grounds --straight and then the correctional facility <-- right. I was a bit concerned after seeing that sign but all was well.

Greg and Emily have 3 little boys and a one year old daughter. I so enjoyed being around them...especially the baby. She is so petite so how should I say "un-McKinney." Holding babies just soothes my soul. In Relief Society --I just got called to be the Enrichment counselor-- we were talking about clearing our minds and some one said that they think about the beach and I pipped up ( you know I can't help it) and said I think about rocking my future babies and everyone was awe'ing me it was one of those hilarious communal "awes". YSA ward Relief Society. geeze. No I love it........ really I do.

Kids are just great.. esp. little kids. They say the funniest stuff. One of the boys was getting smoke in his eyes and he said something like my eyes hurt I got an eye sickness. One of the younger ones came up with a great new way to make smores. Put the Chocolate inside the marshmellow (yes chocolate should be capitalized it is divine =) Then it gets all melty too. Yummy! It worked so well. No more trying to balance a graham cracker with chocolate on a roasting stick for me. I am stuffing those succors inside the mallows!

Laney lives with her sister Rebecca ( not for long in August we are getting a place) and she has two little girls and they are sooo adorable. They both call me Auntie Katie and it just melts my heart. The youngest just turned 3 and is so cute...and says the funniest stuff. I look forward to some Auntie Katie sleep overs when we move in August. That will get me through the winter...and maybe someone else too?

I also wanted to say congrats to Kris Allen -- I am sure he is reading this right now. I am so proud of him. I bet Conway has been so excited and all reeved up about him too. Go Kris go!! I just got down with my 3rd dinner and a walk date with "Mr. Valley man" and am having a lot of fun and enjoying getting to know his ambitious self. I will keep you posted..or is it blogged?? Oh second date was dinner and a play and ice cream AND guess what? a walk. We can't help but want to be outside... the weather has been GORGEOUS highs in the upper 50's-60's depending and tons of sunshine.

Oh I also wanted to put a Happy Mother's Day out there to my momma she is one of the most Christ like people I know. She is a truly a "Mother who knows" --sis beck '07 GC address. She cares more for the fashioning of her children and grandchildren than the fashions of the day. She knows that doctrine changes attitudes and behaviors and she obtains the word and loves the gospel. She is constantly serving us and those around her. She never sits still and is always wishing she could do more. I am so grateful for the woman she is and that I get to call her mom. Too bad Eldon does too...just kidding... Eldon you are one of my favorites. I still can't believe we took that crazy trip last year.

May -my birth month and Bluegrass month

2009-05-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

I was listening to our great Borealis Bluegrass station and heard that May is Bluegrass month. Growing up music was a big part of our lives..not in the sense that we all played but watching our old family videos there was ALWAYS music playing in our house. My dad plays the guitar and some of my favorite memories involve him behind a guitar at a campfire somewhere. I was just thinking how much I really enjoy bluegrass music mostly because I was introduced to it as a young kid through two artist/bands 1) Ricky Skaags and 2) New Grass Revival- which broke up in the early 90's into-- Sam Bush, John Cowan, Bella Fleck..they have all gone on and had great solo careers. Since then I have enjoyed listening to a host of other pickers.

Anyway in response to bluegrass month borders books has teamed up with Rounder Records and is sending a free cd out with an order from any Rounder Record artist..Allison Kraus and Steve Martin are on that label. FYI If you have not heard her and Robert Plant together on Raising Sand it is worth a listen...I think.

May 1st has always been a fun day growing up thinking about only a week 'til my birthday. I love birthdays. They are so much fun. Being with people who love and care about you and think you are just great. I think I want to go camping on the river for my birthday. Nothing better than good friends spending some time in the great outdoors...of ALASKA none the less. Days like the last three remind me 1 why i moved here and 2 why i am staying for another year. Picture perfect weather!

The cleanest gutter....the best compliment

2009-04-27T18:17:00.001-07:00

So today my TA and the TA next door were talking about old shows and cartoons that have some pretty hefty innuendos and my TA said, "McKinney you probably wouldn't get them now ..you have the cleanest gutter." I thought that was the best compliment you could get...or at least high up on the list.

I think at first she was a little nervous about me after she found out I was .....duhnt duhnt duhnt....Mormon and she lives an alternative lifestyle..but we have gotten along really well. She is a sweet girl from Texas so we have been able to commiserate about missing Sonic, (although my waist line is not- although I have been a slacker for over a month....got to get back on my routine) , whataburger, wal-mart super centers, olive garden, lightning storms, the stars and a dark night, lightning bugs, family, friends, an overall respect for older people...and things we don't miss like snakes, ticks, chiggers, armadillos, people who are missing 95% of their teeth....

Indoor Camping

2009-04-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

So last night it was so HOT in my room I opened my window. It felt like indoor camping. The sounds of the cars on the road were like a river running near by. The chill in the air. The sunlight streaming in my face. It was great! ( can't wait to do some real camping though) Sometimes I forget I live near the ocean and then I hear Seagulls doing there thang and then it hits me all over again; oh yeah the ocean is 7 miles that way!! So this morning this scenario happens to me. I am looking out at some tall pine trees behind our town house wondering what it smells like here doing some indoor camping..it rained yesterday and the sky and mountains were just breath taking! ..I was really enjoying my thoughts and then I heard some 'gulls and was reminded of the ocean. The thought came to my mind that this is what the Holy Ghost does for me. I go about living my life and then I see, hear, or feel something and it hits me; oh yeah Heavenly Father is 0 miles that way! He will always let me know He is near if I want to know and remember. How thankful I am for this special gift of the companionship of the Holy Ghost who reminds me how near comfort, hope, cheer, true love, and forgiveness really are. Love it!!

Yesterday was a blast! Other than the fact my eyes were dilated for a few hours. That is the funniest sensation to have your eyes numbed...and then dilated. Me and Laney went to go see the BYU-I Collegiate Singers at West High School. They had some really cute funny songs. One that really touched me was one about taken from Voltaire's "Candide" --the chorus lyrics went something like "We are not particularly good but we will work and grow our garden." The singers all got in couples to sing this song slowly throughout this song. It was a reminder that that is what life is about. There is no perfect person out there waiting to be discovered for/by me; there are just two people who love each other and are willing to work at a good life together. I need to find me a good gardener. =0) ha...At the end of the show a singer came up and gave Laney a squishy byui potato and me a water bottle. I also so Elder Jarvis- my brothers brother-in-law we share a nephew and soon a niece. He told me they had picked out the name Kelly. I will have to talk to Justin and clarify this. How did Elder Jarvis know before me?

Let me back up..I went to school for a few hours and left early to go to our last lunch devotional at the Institute building. Then I had a massage...ah so nice!! Then I had to go see the eye dr. again to make sure my contacts fit my eye and so he could dilate them.

Then we went to Katie Hill's birthday party. Katie Hill and I served in the same mission. It was so good to be around some real chill ysa's. Me and Katie arm wrestled...and I was shocked there was no declared winner but the boys were saying I was cheating bring my elbow in and "cocking" my wrist. Whaterver, I would never cheat...or would I? It was some good clean fun with some good clean amigos.

Tyler who is interning here is going to Bentonville, AR to intern with Wal-Mart and so we were talking about the "hill" people and what to expect as far as an accent goes. He was practicing his numbers --he is an accounting guy-- five and nine because there they are feyeve and neyene. I was also recommending some very neat Arkansas things to do. I can't wait to be home in July except for the fact that it will be July which means it will be hotter than HELL...seriously Satan doesn't even visit there in July and August..Hell is a dream vacation comparatively.

Got to jet going to the temple this morning with Minna. She is great. Served a mission in Russia a degree in Exercise Science from BYU and now doing Dental Hygiene school for fun. I am blessed to get to know some really great folks here. Hope you are all wonderful!!

Pallin glasses

2009-04-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

Alaskan's are serious about their eye gear. Gov. Pallin frames are nothing compared to what some of her constituents wear. I just had an eye exam last Friday and my eyes, well one of my eyes was better than it was before.,I had no ideas eyes could do that. ( Our bodies are amazing) I am having the hardest time picking out new frames. Glasses become such a part of who you are and here this is no joke. Folks wear some way cool frames and I just don't know if I am that cool. We are talking rhinestone studded, lattice metal work on the arms, funky colors, and some with all three. Anyways, I should be reading my scriptures right now so off I go.

Institute Graduation

2009-04-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

This Sunday it will be my pleasure to graduate from the Institute program. I would like to put a shout out to all my teachers...

Sister Blakey- New Testament Conway, AR
Sister Boone- BOM, Church History, D&C, Conway, AR
Brother "someone"- too long ago and only one semester - teachings of the living prophets Gainsville, Florida I also want to thank Jacob Stewart who rode with me the 45 min. to and from class each week from Ocala..we were both fresh RM's and I learned a lot from him and our commuter discussions as well. Love ya Jake!
Brother Hall- Doctrine and Covenants Conway, AR
Sister Martindale- Old Testament and Celestial Marriage Conway, AR
Sister Green- Celestial Marriage / Teachings of Living Prophets Anchorage, AK
Brother Miles- Church History / Leadership Anchorage, AK Brother Miles is retiring and he has been such a great influence in my life since arriving here in AK. He has always been there with a listening ear and encouragement. I am really going to miss him next year.

I was asked to speak for 5 minutes at graduation. I said it takes me 5 minutes just to say my name. Anyone who knows me or the family know that we can be "windy" sometimes. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on Institute and my testimony there.

Sunday I taught Sunday School extemporaneously because both instructors were gone as was our Sunday School president. I had vaguely read over the lesson and am good friends with our Sunday School president so I stepped up. ..I had no competition. ha ha

It worked out...it was on the law of consecration. We read some scriptures from D&C 42...Mosiah 4 from King Benjamin's final address (some of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon)..I also had my General Conference issues --Everyone always laughs at me for carrying around so much stuff - I usually have two "bags" a purse and either my school or church bag with me and sometimes all three. I was glad for all my stuff in these bags-- I was able to read a few quotes from Elder Perry's "Let us do it with Simplicity" talk and from Elder Hales come to Zion talk this quote came from my personal notes from the most recent General Conference. I was glad everyone participated and helped out a lot with great comments. We have a great ward! Love y'all.

attempted murder charge...

2009-04-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

so today after school our meeting..we "process" every day after school talk about the kids and why APD has been at our school -they are here at least once during the day. Today our school social worker was telling us about a new student that was coming into our school full time and how nice this young person was and then our principal asked if anyone else had something to add...and a teacher piped up and said "that if he starts talking about the attempted murder charge you need to shut that conversation down very directly and quickly....other than that the new student has been wonderful in my class." Everyone at my table busted out laughing. "Other than that attempted murder charge" its been great..he might attempt to kill you but....only at my secret school.

Spring has sprung and it is nice! Sun sets around 10 pm and light starts streaming in my windows around 5am -ish. The snow is completely gone -except for the tops of the mountains. Saturday I went for a short drive down to Beluga point and walked around a bit. It was nice. Then I went to a movie with a friend and the sunset was gorgeous. Pinks and purples around the downtown buildings with the mountains behind us and the moon was up and visible. Amazing!

Thinking really seriously about staying here another year. The thought of saying goodbye made me re-think my choice to go home. I am wicked close the the McKinney clan that is for sure and the Sherwood gang too; however, I feel there is more for me to do here. Still not 100% either way. But I know that things will work out either way. I just need to have exercise my faith. How grateful I am for the gospel.

23 School days left...and I can not believe it. It has really gone by so quickly! I will miss my misfits. I was telling them today about an old roommate Monica who used to always add up random things at the grocery store...stuff like this would escape her mouth....50 cents for a pack of gum and lets say they sell 50 packs a day that's 25.00 a day times 365 days that's 9,125. 00 a year. Seriously, every time we went. I don't know if she was just bored or wanted to go into business for herself selling gum, chips, or bobby pins. Anyway, we were talking in Science about Archimedes discovery and how our minds are scientific. We are naturally curious. (we did some boats/density experiments) We also talked about how most of us attempt flying at one time or another. The stories the kids told were cracking me up. One told me that they planted an apple seed in an indoor plant and it grew a little tiny apple tree with little tiny apples that were very delicious. --I was rolling laughing. Another told me one time they jumped off the roof and landed in the basement. These kids oh the joys!! Can't wait to have a few of my own..

confusion to go home or stay??

2009-04-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

So I love when I come up with a plan and feel good about it ....and then different and things start opening up in a different path. For instance, I have been looking for other room mate options for awhile now...not because I don't like Cristi but because we are on different schedules and I feel bad waking her up. ..and I am a social person and would like to have folks over for dinner and festivities but when we are up and ready to play is when Cristi who works nights is sleeping. She has been a fun roomie..leaving me notes and making me hunt easter eggs and such. She has also been so kind with my emotional "boy involvement" since Christmas time. Thanks Cristi lou. Now several great options have opened up. Love you Laney!

I had decided to intern with my older brothers and give a serious look at law school and then my institute director was talking about how great of a seminary instructor I would be (not to be braggy) because I know the scriptures fairly well and love them...and the gospel. If I stay here he could be a major help getting me into a released time CES position. How amazing would that be?!

Conference was all about temples and going to the temple.How lucky am I to live in a place with a temple 15 minutes down the road? I would not be able to go nearly as often at home. Things are still up in the air as far as what/where I will end up.

A good friend is going to Utah to work for the summer the beginning of May and just thinking about having to say goodbye makes me miss this place like crazy. I got all weepy just thinking about this on Monday--saying goodbye to a lot of great folks.

I do miss the family like craziness...especially my nieces and nephews. What a joy they are to me. Momma needs to get her webcam up and running anyone living close to her feel free to offer to assist her with this..Val? Looking at the Sherwood Easter reunion pics was torture...especially the pictures of Jacob (my nephew with down syndrome) riding a calf....he looked so happy. Sad to have missed that. I am so blessed with a crazy huge extended family. I love you guys!!!!!!!! Ya'll come see me!

I have been fellowshipping a girl the Elder's are teaching and that has been a great experience. She is amazing and to be apart of that process again has been humbling and motivating for me to open my mouth more about who I am- a member of the lds church and one of heavenly father's daughters- and the Lord's plan for all of his childrens.

School is interesting these last few days. My principal, who I told last week that I was probably not coming back next year, came and told me that he would for sure move me up to Middle School for next year, and was begging me to stay. That felt good =0) Middle School would be so much better for me to only have to prep for one content area a day. Today I had a student banging their head on the wall and asking for us to allow them to committ suicide. They are such a sweet kid and want to do the right thing. It was hard to watch I just wanted to pick them up and hold them even though they are as tall as I am. One of our intervention coaches did hold him when the head banging did not stop. Another student threatened to come to my house and burn it to the ground. The other day a student asked "are we going to play games with our bodies" It was hilarious! --meaning are we going to play a phsyical game such as duck duck goose. I called one of my students my sister's name the other day..I must have been really exasperated to do that. I said to a student in jest "your mom goes to college" and they in all seriousness said "no she doesn't" it was cracking me up. This school is an experience to be sure of! Someone's car was broken into and a purse was stolen from our parking lot...Never a dull moment around here, that is for sure.

It's a girl

2009-04-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

So Justin and Amanda called and they are having a girl!! I am so excited! All those nephews and now another niece!

Break Up

2009-04-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

So not that I have been dating anyone to break up with ...well kind of we've been talking weekly for several hours and doing things... but that is a whole other blog...I'll just say we are for sure just friends and I am at peace about that. Still yearning and longing to be a wife and momma though.

"Break Up" is what Alaskans refer to as Spring. When the sun starts coming out more and everything beings to melt and the ice begins to break up. Parking lots are turned into swimming pools..and where there used to be one large massive chunk of ice now there are huge chuncks of ice missing. Driving in driveways and parking lots like this is a backroad experience. The two outside lanes of traffice are always wet and full of water...I have seen more than one predestrian get completely drenched from such water in the lanes and more than one car hydroplane through a huge puddle. The inside and turning lanes are dry as can be but look out, those outside lanes are deadly. I saw some guys flame tourching a drain to melt it so the water could have somewhere safe to go. Nice job. Hi what do you do? Oh I torch drains.

Of course this also means that windshield washer fluid is a must because of the spray from the wet lanes. My driver side sprayer works great the passenger sprayer shoots a huge stream not so much sparying it over the passenger side... it is so less effective but better than nothing. If you are out of fluid you should NOT drive; because after a few minutes your windshield is impossible to see out of. --my car has bigger problems than this though. I took a drive down the Turnagain arm last Saturday (FYI we had some ash fall from Mt. Redoubt on Saturday but not while I was driving. It was like dirt only finer and people said it smelled like sulpher) On the way home it was acting funny... like it was not getting gas therefore the shifting was funky. I was afraid I would not make it home but, I did. I have bummed rides this week from my roomate and YSA friends esp. Laney.

Laney moved to Seattle for a few month now she is back. She directed our Institute choir last semester. She is so funny. I am glad she is back we have hit it off nicely. She is living with her sister who has two daughters and it has been so great to be around little ones! She has been carting me around. Thanks Laney baney! Oh today we watched conference at her brother Greg's house -he is a mechanic and is going to look at my car since Mark never did punk- Anyway her brother and sis in law have 3 boys and a one year old girl. I got to rock the baby to sleep; it was so soothing! Seriously that was probably the best thing about conference weekend.. I can't wait!!

Back to the Break Up stuff.........................

The melting and freezing snow on the side of the road is really funny looking it is dirty brown/black and jagged due to the melting and refreezing at night. Nightmare material folks this stuff looks nasty and I hear it is a smelly time of year as all the dog pooh turns to dog pooh mud.

It is so gorgeous here! The the sky here is almost always a perfect shade of "sky blue." I will miss it here.

new blog and saturday am general conference highlights

2009-04-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

So I started a family blog for the siblings to post on..hopefully sometime they will it is http://www.becomingmckinney.blogspot.com/.

General Conference is such an amazing experience; I always come away: more committed to the gospel, uplifted and filled with a love for all my brothers and sisters, feeling our Heavenly Father's love for me, gratitude for the restored gospel, and joy!

Saturday we YSA's watched conference at our institute building. It is always a pleasant experience. President Monson opened conference talking about the temple dedications. He said," each temple dedication is a time for re-evaluation of ones own performance and sincere desire to do better."

Elder Hales then spoke of agency and that we need to use it to be PROVIDENT PROVIDERS. One of my favorite quotes from him was " Each temptation is to strengthen us not destroy us" also that we need to be "joyfully living within our means" as well as " only through the atonement can we have mighty change of heart and mighty change of behavior." He talked about distinguishing between our wants and needs. That we can get into debt for education, a basic automobile, and housing. I need to do better at distinguishing between my wants and needs and to save more of my money for a rainy day.

Then Sister Lifferth spoke of respect and reverence. I really enjoyed this talk. She spoke of how reverence is taught in the home. She asked us to think if we were examples of reverence and respect? Do we show respect for our scriptures and teach the doctrine from them. Then she said we need to teach by example because harshness begets hard feelings; she mentioned that we teach it by being patient over time and being consistent in our efforts. She quoted someone with this one "reverence invites revelation." She closed by saying that an increase in reverence reflects our deepest love for Him.

Brother Neider (who was a counselor in my mission presidency SLCS Mission) spoke about Aaronic Priesthood quorums and how they should operate..with more youth leadership and adults supporting the youth leaders. I am pretty sure I heard him say one of the purposes of the YM program is to eliminate sloth. I thought that was great! It will be interesting to see what he did say. He said that we need to be "students of God's commandments" and that we need to obtain His word.

Elder Allan Packer of was up next. He spoke about receiving revelation. He said we live in the fullness of times and these times are times for preparing for the Saviors coming and to workout our own salvation and that if we are to do this we must build on the bedrock and we must know and know that we know. He taught that we need to become acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Then he spoke of Alma 32 and the process by which revelation can come

Elder Christofferson spoke next and his message was one that touched me deeply. I can't wait to print this talk and study it out!
He said we need "strong Christians" who can persevere through adversity and make important things happen through our faith. He said that we can access this power through our covenants and that our covenants are to exalt us and they manifest our commitment to become a covenant people and inheritors of exaltation where we can obtain all the divine possibilities God can give us. He spoke about how obedience to covenants give us greater control of our lives and enhances our capacity to deal with challenges because we are blessed by doing so. He said that once we know our course is right and in accordance with God's will then our faith becomes unbounded..and that it takes faith to make covenants. He taught that covenants bestow divine power into our lives. That the power of godliness can flow into our lives. He said, " Strong covenants make strong Christians." He asked us for our obedience to be exact and that then we can ask and He will sustain you, He will stretch for the His hand and say here am I. God will keep His promises. He will bless you and strengthen and finish your faith, deliver you from want, anxiety and stress!" Wow. I know I want to be a strong Christian and have the faith to perservere. I need to go to the temple more often and review the covenants I have made. In fact I thought this temples/temple attendance was a theme of this years conference.

President Eyring spoke about adversity and that it comes to all of us at some point or another on our journey and that it is normal and necessary. He said" we can only faintly comprehend the infinite atonement that can comfort us when we have to wait in distress." ( this has been something I have learned as I feel that not only am I waiting on the Lord but on some fella to make up his mind to want to be married and then to want to be married to me. I am learning to wait on the Lord's time) He then went on to teach that the Savior could have known or infirmities by the power of the Holy Ghost but that instead He chose to learn by His own personal experience how to succor His people. Alma 7. He said that even when you feel the truth of atonement that the test may still test your courage to endure. "He will give us strength to rise with every trial"

Genera Conference and Decisions

2009-03-31T17:18:00.001-07:00

So I have been trying to make some decisions and here are some conclusions

1. I want to go to grad school...for what I am still unsure law school or education administration, literacy coach, speech pathology, nursing, idk!!!!

2. UAA is not the college for grad school...it'd be silly to pay out of state tuition at UCA if I stay here another year

3. Need to get a permanent teaching license and I can do that fairly easily here or Arkansas

4. Moving home to get a permanent teaching license and investigate going to law school is a good call

Saying goodbye to good friends here is going to be really hard. I will always love my year in Alaska and the lessons I have learned at my special school with my special students.

General Conference is amazing. I am so excited for this weekend and the enlightenment that always comes. The love and connection I feel for the saints throughout the world is amazing. I am excited for mom and dad who get to attend in person this time with Janeen and Eldon.

Roadkill

2009-03-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

So I saw some roadkill yesterday driving home from work and smiled and thought of home. Not too many furry creatures running around here in the arctic weather to get smushed. Certainly not any armadillos to get crunched. I was telling my friend how roadkill made me smile and she thought that was hilarious...the little things you miss from Arkansas.

Spring Break- not so "springy" but that is okay

2009-03-13T14:06:00.001-07:00

Well I still can not believe I have made it through my first three nine weeks of teaching. I love my students they are each a treasure in my life. They come from varied backgrounds and all of them have their moments but I love them each for the good that they possess. I called my female student "Janeen" the other day (which is my little sister's name). I must have been really exasperated..=) of course immediately after I said Janeen I busted up laughing...then I could not be upset.

Last week one of my little darlings on his way out of our classroom down to the "practice hall" - a room where they can practice good student skills such as NOT swearing at your teacher, or following directions, or NOT throwing things in the classroom. If they are ready to practice they can process out. Processing out means they have completed several academic tasks calmly. If they can not walk out of my room and down to the practice hallway they are escorted out by our "intervention coaches" aka security. If they are fighting against our wonderful intervention coaches then they will start off in the gray room. The gray room is a room with a lock on the outside. It is empty and guess what color it is?..you guessed it gray. This room is watched 24/7 if someone is in there. This student was swearing at me therefore; he needed to go practice good student skills; on his way out he flipped over several desks, threw his book, tore up his worksheets, and then picked up my teacher podium - a music stand- and chunked it at me. I managed to dodge it except one of the legs hit my shin. ouch!! But I did not want to let him know I got hit so I kept quiet and calm and walked with him the rest of the way to the practice hall.

Spring Break so nice! Sunday I drove out to Eagle River with Cole and some other YSA's to a preparedness fireside. Cole was cracking me up. The setting sun was shinning on the mountains way out in the Mat-Su valley and it was gorgeous!

Monday- I did some errands, went to my favorite store here - Value Village- like goodwill but better. I found some books, a coat, and some new jeans a size smaller than last time I bought jeans YAY!! Monday night was FHE. Cole taught on Pres. Uchtdorf's talk "The Infinite Power of Hope" it was a great lesson and such a powerful talk.

Tuesday- Cole and I went to breakfast downtown ( I think Cole was repenting for not being social on Monday you big bum!) and walked around. It was nice to have a good reason to get out of bed early...We watched a ship come through the ice in the ocean so beautiful and had a good time talking about me possibly getting arrested for a traffic ticket I got back in November. I plead not guilty and still have not gotten a court date mailed to me. I figure it is their job to contact me, right? Tuesday afternoon Matt and I went shopping for some Ammo so we could go shooting later on this week. We also picked up some wonderful grub at Artic Road Runner. YUMMY.

Wednesday- Cristi and I went around town. We picked up some groceries at Fred Meyers. Went to the Celtic store and picked up some UK chocolate. I got some to send Amy my Canadian sister in law. Then Matt and I went to Birchwood to go shooting. He has a Walther .22 , .40 and a colt .45 (those are all pistols) and a 708 rifle. We had a great time shooting. That was my first time at a range. I liked the .22 pistol and the .45 . It was nice to do something different and get out of Anchorage. That night I watched Strictly Ballroom with Cristi. It was hilarious.

Thursday - I had a new chiropractic appointment. It was sooo nice to get adjusted. I miss you DR. Hurley! My neck is completley straight instead of having a c curve..so my neck muscles do a lot of work keeping my head upright...thus lots of tension headaches. Then I met my friend Bethany for lunch and we went and visited our friend Charlotte who is really sick. Then I went to my friend Katie's for taco salad. She was keeping her 1 year old nephew. It did me some good to be around a little one. I just love them. We had fun playing peekaboo and I would hide his little stuffed bear in his pockets or in my collar and he would have fun pulling it out. He was such a cutie! Then we went to Coldstone for some yummy ice cream!

Friday- I came to school to study for my praxis test I am taking tomorrow at 7:30 am. Kay Papakristo is here too. She is such a lifesaver I would never had made it here without her to vent to and celebrate with. I love that woman! We did lunch and drove around and found exactly where to go for our test tomorrow. I took a practice praxis test and made a 77% so I hope that is a passing score...if not i am not smarter than a 5th grader and I teach them. =0)

Saturday- I will take my Praxis test and then me and Cole had talked about going to a benefit lunch thing involving soup and pottery bowls and then to a baptism of a friend in our ward.

Sunday-church and then Monday back to school. Spring Break has flown by. I have had some good times with good friends.

Symphony

2009-03-01T00:12:00.000-08:00

I was able to attend the Symphony here in Anchorage tonight with a great fella from out ward. We had a good time. I was noticing that in order to be a good conductor one must have really great hair to flick all around while conducting. We had good seats and when the conductor took a really deep breath I could hear it. It was great.

Walking to the show we saw some of the Fur Rondy fireworks. I am still trying to figure out what exactly Fur Rondy is. Some sort of celebration tied into the start of the Iditorod race. Those of you who don't know I absoluetly LOVE fireworks. So beautiful and sparkly so fun!! Anywho during the show I noticed that some of the musicians were so stoic and serious and others were very expressive in their movements and facial expressions. I liked to watch the ones who were expressive. It helped me feel what they were playing.

I also thought how life is like a symphony. Sometimes our parts are quiet and repetitive and other times at the conductors signal we are soloist and crescendo into all the volume that our instruments can play. Sometimes we are silent and wait on the conductor to be brought into the music again. I know I feel like now my part is small and quiet and sometimes it feels like I am on a 100 measure rest wanting to play the part that is divinely mine to play but I sit waiting on THE Conductor to get to the part in the symphony where I get to join in. I love the idea of us all being connected and how we all echo parts of the same music at different times. As the melody went from the violins, to the wind insturments, and then the horns it was like the generations of time: family traditions, gospel knowledge, love all being passed around and around. I know that if I stick with The Conductor, He has a big finish for all of us at the end. Where we all play and play together; it will be so grand! This is not very articulate probably cause it is late here but I wanted to write down those feelings while they were fresh.

It was the best day. I read ( the fire and the covenant) while the magical white flakes from Heaven fell and fell. After I slept in. Alaska so gorgeous, esp now that we are getting more sunshine!

Sister Beck comes to Anchorage

2009-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

So apparently Sister Beck's sister is the "Bush" Relief Society President or serves somehow int he "Bush district of Alaska" and she was visiting and we got a fireside out of the visit. Yay! Some things you might not know about her: the B in Julie B. stands for Bangeter like the road in Utah; she lived in Brazil as a little girl where her dad was a mission president and instead of playing house they played "missionaries"; she has 10 siblings; she is fluent in Portuguese; she was baptized in Brazil and thus considers herself a Brazilian saint; as the General Relief Society President she also sits on the PEF committee/board as well as the Welfare board and the Church Education Boards.

Sister Beck began her comments talking about what a marvelous work is being done and how much good the church does in the world. She said it is a "faith based work that is so inspiring." That the church has schools, ranches, dairies, trucking companies all to bless the lives of those in need. She then spoke about the organization of the Relief Society and how it is the ultimate peace corp. That the organization has exact purposes and responsibilities to help build the kingdom of God on Earth. That there are 5.8 million of us who speak 104 languages scattered throughout the world. She spoke of going to India, Hong Kong, Brazil, and other places and seeing the faith and lives of the sisters there and how it strengthens her faith. She told us that in Hong Kong there is a daily sacrament meeting to meet the needs of the LDS Phillipeano worker women, who have rotating days off. She spoke of a woman in a remote farm area of Brazil who said "I know how to live and what to teach my children" Sister Beck said that is right the gospel is simple and she has her covenants.

She opened it up for questions and like always there are a few craz-o's in the group. Someone asked where is all the help for Alaska we had a horrible Earthquake here in 1964 where was the church then? --Lady if you are holding on to that I got two words...Let it go! 1964 was a long time ago. (my words not sister becks) Sister Beck talked about how the church does not need praise for their good works and that lots of good things happen in Alaska that only Bishops and people receiving help know about. Then she spoke in general how the church does not hand out but lifts people up. She only spoke of things we might not know about so we would feel apart of the marvelous good that is going on. Someone else asked" you said the church has schools are they going to expand that program as the world increases in wickedness?" Again my thoughts were hello NO! The church will never do our duties..your a mom do your job! Teach your kids what is right and wrong, build up their armor and things will work out. (again my words not sister becks) Sister Beck explained that the church is phasing out those schools and that those schools were started because there was NO education there and that most of those schools were on the isles of the Sea.

In response to the question " how do I recieve a testimony that I am a daughter of God?" Sister Beck encouraged us to be in places to where you can feel the Spirit because knowing you are a daughter of God is a spiritual knowledge. She also said that when you really want to know and believe that you are a daughter of God you will pray. She said open up the scriptures anywhere and start reading you'll find answers. Answers are in the scriptures! She says she gets a floppy copy of the Book of Mormon ( missionary blue copy) and writes her questions in the front and answers/connections in the back. She told us to make connections in the scriptures they are not going to say "katie you are a daughter of God" but they will say as in Moses that Moses saw God face to face and knew his name and had a work for him to do so if Moses is a son and God knows his name then surely I am a daughter and God knows my name and has a work for you to do. She then told a cute story of her granddaughter watching her read and mark her scriptures then the 6.5 yr old girl asked grandma where did you get scriptures with color in them? I want some like that. Sister Beck explained that she could not buy some but she could make her own. So the granddaughter asked how? Sister Beck told her to go get her scriptures and the granddaughter returned with her scriptures a pen and a pink highlighter. She told her to mark things she understood or liked and so they began at the beginning of the Book of Mormon. Her granddaughter read "I Nephi having been born of goodly parents...and then said, ohhh grandma I have goodly parents" so she marked that with pink highlighter and wrote in the margin (like grandma) I have goodly parents too.

Continuing on the theme of knowing who we are she said that she gets to watch her granddaughter Lily (when she is home) when her daughter teachers piano at their house. She says Lily knows she is a princess she runs in and says "Grandma I am here, it's me Lily." She says they know they are precious at 3. She says it is our job to help them remember that because some where between 3 and 13 they forget. She told us to keep a gratitude journal or if we are not a journaling type to stop and recognize the blessing in your life and you will know and you do know you are a daughter of God.

Someone then asked "how do we help our Young Women transition into Relief Sociey?" She responded the most important thing you can do is to help them get a testimony of their own..then they know where they go and where they belong when it is transition time. ( I thought AMEN !!! Cristi started chuckling I did not realize I had said AMEN it out loud) She then went on to say that transitioning is not a disease that you are gonna catch. It is a fact of life from the time you are born until you die life is one big transition, so get used to it. She said each transition time is a time to grow your testimony. She then talked about how the YSA's have a great work to do in Relief Society and in the Lords Kingdom. She asked us "who is going to preach the gospel my daughter who is expecting baby number seven and hears all day long mom, mom, momma, mom ( I thought of Amy with Jacob. Mom is that boys favorite word) or my mother who is transitioning into a time in life when her body and mind will not do what they are supposed to do?" It is the youth and young people of the church who have so much to give and seek a place to belong and contribute. She said that Relief Societys need to organize and get busy doing to Lord's work.

Then someone asked about the Churches' stance on gay marriage. Sister Beck quoted the proclamation on the family and testified that we know we are sons and daughters of God with an eternal gender, identity, and destiny..then she said that we love everyone. Love one another and if you don't you are not mine. We are not against anyone. What we are for the is the family and the preservation of the family. The family is the institution that will last forever. She said too many of us live like this life is IT. It is not! One of my favorite quotes from the whole night was when she said; "however, when behavior comes up against doctrine..doctrine will win every time."

She concluded with a powerful testimony and said twice that "experiences prepare us for the dream." She testified that we have a loving Heavenly Father who loves us and that we sat in counsel with Him and fought to preserve the family. She said that battle rages on now and that we signed up for the plan of Heavenly Father and that you don't give up on the plan you fought a war over. Some of you face health challenges, hard economic times, family disappointments (I thought oh boy this is the new pc slogan for single? =0) I thought the next time someone asks if I am single I will say no just family disappointed) then she said some of you wanted the dream of a family but are having a different experience don't worry- EXPERIENCES PREPARE YOU FOR THE DREAM. Then she went on to testify of the Fall and how Adam and Eve wanted the experiences without them they would never had children, they would never know how good it feels to have a Savior to Rescue them. She testified that we ARE living the plan we signed up for and that we have a Savior who taught us how to live and the taught us of covenants and ordinances. She testified of the reality of the Atonement to heal and bless us and make us better. If there is anything we need more of it is FAITH she said in Him and following His ways. She then testified of the power of the Holy Ghost that He is in around and through us. She said the number one things she wants for her daughters is that they know how to seek, receive, and act on revelation. If they know how to get revelation and make choices;there is no ability that surpasses that in all the world. She continued by testifying of President Monson and living Apostles. She told us that the Lord can not accomplish His work with out women and their influence. ( see her Mothers Who Know Talk for more on where a woman's influence is felt most { the HOME}) She said influence is more powerful than great management. She told us to be strong and immovable in our course don't be drawn of course. Know the doctrine, for it is clear, true, loving, and fair. We all have trials if you aren't currently experiencing them just wait. We are all having experiences to prepare for the dream. Stick close to the Lord. Gather into families as much as you can. Then she read from Alma 48 ..that work was done to prepare the minds of the people to be faithful. She said that is our JOB. That is what we do in our families. We help throw up fortifications. She asked us "what are you doing to help build fortifications around your family?" She read where this time of preparation for war was described as "there never was a happier time." She said that in these current times of war and rumor of war and economic down times can be our happiest times because the gospel is going forth and that at last general conference President Monson announced 5 new temples. She said this is an advance not a retreat. She testified that we are building the kingdom of God in Alaska, in all the world and hopefully in our hearts. She closed appropriately and sat down.

It was great to go and to richly partake of the Spirit of the meeting. I really hope that I can write her "we are having experiences to prepare us for the dream" on the fleshly tablets of my heart. I know that the Lord must have something sweet in store for me {boy do I love sweets} because he is allowing me ,and everyone of us in our own ways,the bitter experiences of mortality.
I could really feel her love for me individually, for all the sisters present in the meeting, and the sisters throughout the world as she spoke of them. I know she is an inspired leader and that if I follow her counsel I will be blessed. As we walked out of the meeting it was soo dark there was just a sliver of moon showing, as I was pointing it out to Crisit, the lady in front of us said the moon is winking at us. It was really pretty! The temple was behind us all lit up against the dark night it was amazing. That is what we are the sliver of moonlight and a temple on a hill shinning in the darkness. We know the truth, we have the knowledge or light D&C 93. How grateful I am for that!!! And for parents, YW leaders, teachers, Bishops, missionary companions and friends, seminary and institute instructors who have invited the Holy Ghost into lessons and experiences that have all helped me gain my testimony and strengthen me. I know this was lengthy hope you enjoy it.

2009-02-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Turnagain arm drive was so nice. I went last evening with a friend and we watched the sunset over the water. It was spectacular and it just made me realize how many things I am grateful for. And how I need to focus on them instead of what is lacking in my life or things I don't have. I struggle with PCOS and it's daily effect on my health and appearance and I need to do what I can and then turn the rest over to the Physician of my soul. Anyway here are some of the things I do have that I love..........
~ this beautiful place I live
~my family
~that I can see
~that I can taste
~my sense of touch _ for those wondering she left off smell -- my sniffer does not work at least
~the gospel not very well at all...and sometimes this is a blessing too! =-)
~the atonement
~laughter
~sunshine
~mountains
~friends
~our country (even with it's current issues and leadership)
~my momma what an angelic human being
~warm brownies
~the hope of all my dreams
~the book of mormon -the word so powerful!
~that I can walk and move about unassisted
~hugs
~baby giggles

Got to go school is about to start.

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

2009-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

I am way excited about the amount of sunshine that has been pouring into my days recently. When the sun is out and the day is clear there is not another more majestic place anywhere! Yesterday ,driving to church was spectacular and I only live 1.5 miles from church. Baby blue skies, white mountains ah gorgeous!

I was able to talk to my nephews and niece yesterday. They make me so happy! They are too much fun to talk to, esp. on the phone. They ask me the funniest questions all the time..are you still teaching?...what time is it there?...do you have snow still?....have you found a husband?..is it dark there? I asked Sam if he was being good in school (that is what I ask them all the time) and Sammy said quite honestly," um...sometimes I be good." I can only imagine what his kindergarten teacher deals with. He is overflowing with energy. Emily Rae is always full of good information too. Little girls say the darndest things. Who has been good and bad. What her dad says while driving down the road to his "honey." So hilarious!

Mom was telling me that Cole was rubbing Jared's eyebrows (which can be quite furry) and asked him dad what are those? Jared told him they were eyebrows and that he had some too. Cole ran to go look and see if he had "eyebrowns" too. Then another day Jared was trying to get Cole to go to his bed to sleep and he was saying "cole what do I hear? your bed calling you saying Cole come sleep on me." Cole told Jared his bed didn't have a mouth. He is a hoot! I miss those kiddos.

I can not believe that I am at the end of the 3rd nine weeks of my first year of teaching. Boy what a year! I have learned so much about myself and about relying on the Lord and his timetable. I think that is a lesson I will continue to learn as I yearn for unfulfilled blessings in my life. I am making joy in the journey..and look forward to new adventures.

Sister Beck is speaking here on Thursday and I can not wait. I loved her Mothers who Know talk. That is the kind of momma and wife I want to be. She knows the doctrine of motherhood. Her comments in this months Visiting Teaching Message is pretty clear about our roles as women..she says something like " we can refuse it. We can deny it. But it is ours and one day we will be held accountable for it." Powerful doctrine. I know that her message is not always well received and more than once I have heard women say, I am just not cut out for being a stay at home mom. Well then repent and change...learn to love it. That is like saying I am not good at living the gospel..learn to get good at it ,work at it and it will come. The Lord will prepare a way for us to keep his commandments. Pray for it and make it work. I might be a little biased in my opinion since this motherhood is the number one thing I want in life.It breaks my heart to think of so many little ones who just want and need time with their parents. I see daily the lack of family support and true nurturing at school everyday. So sad.

Well kiddos. I think I am going to go for a drive down the Turnagain Arm this afternoon. Enjoy the sunshine and the mountains and ocean all at once.

Institute and inspiration

2009-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

So as y'all can tell from my writing that I am no grammarian. I am not a detailed oriented person to those of you who are and try to fix my lame excuse for writing, I apologize....I have said this before but just thought I'd repeat it.

I was having a rough go of things: car doing crazy things like not starting for no good reason (unless you count being so darn cold a good reason), issues with the fella I like ( he is amazing but things are moving slow and I am not sure how keen he is on me) I am grateful for the friendship we have and besides girls always have issues, we are always a wee bit crazy right?, school stresses ( 3 IEP's to write and meetings to attend), and not a lot of sunshine (although we are gaining daylight now =0). I went to Institute Tuesday after feeding the missionaries and we watched President Uchtdorf's talk on Hope. It was even more powerful than the first time I watched it.

Our instructor had us write down all the words that President Uchtdorf used to describe hope: words like braces us up, supports, upholds, encourages, refreshes, sustaining, active, firm, carrys us, enthusiasm, optimism, joy, happiness, stabilizing, gladness, protective, anchor, foundation, inspire, reassuring.......it was sooooo good to hear and to feel his love and the love of our Savior. We know that our salvation has been planned for and the way made. We just have to hold on to hope and cling to hope...the Hope of Israel; knowing He will keep his covenants he has made to His children.

His concluding words were especially powerful "And to all who suffer - to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely- I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit."
Wow! Powerful doctrine. I was really thankful for the Spirit that was in the class and the feelings I felt. He also said that we have the responsibility to make it (hope) an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. I have fallen victim to that temptation. I know that when I chose hope I am choosing the right. Knowing this I plan on making a renewed effort to keep my hope alive and an abiding principle in my life. Pres. Uchtdorf said that "hope is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm and patient perseverance. " I am striving to let my confidence shine through and to be more optimistic and enthusiastic...the patient perseverance...well.... patience never was a McKinney virtue. =0) but I am working on it.

Alaska is gorgeous. I love going for walks in the morning with Cristi's dog. We found a little lake to walk around and the subdivision has lots of hills for strengthing the tooshy and legs. At the top of one of the hills is an amazing view of the mountains. Obviously, it is dark when we go out but when there is no moon you can see the white mountains against the dark night and it is spectacular!! Saturdays when we go out in the sunshine and it is wonderful. I am keeping up on my resolution to be more active and reach a goal size of a 10. I am down to a 18ish and happy about that.

Driving in the snow can be crazy...the lanes shift all the time and you are never really sure what lane you are in...you just follow the car in front of you or watch out for the car beside and behind you that you don't get in there way. Same with parking no lines just guesses.

Well I got to run but wanted to give a shout out. It is February now one month closer to the end of the school year. And the month my momma was born she is such an inspiration to me. How I love her....and miss her terribly sometimes. Love you momma. ( I am not sure she reads this but just in case)

The Darkness about to do me some harm

2009-01-29T09:52:00.001-08:00

So at first I did not think the darkness was effecting me but, this past weekend was such a downer. I had this sad feeling and just could not knock it. I think lack of some sunshine definately had something to do with that. I am so ready for the summer months with no school and lots of Sunshine. Doctrinally speaking Light is the life of the world and to gain exaltation we must be found possessing lots of "light, truth, glory, and intelligence" (D&C 93). I am glad that I have such access to the source of all truth and light no matter what life is like in the frozen tundra.

I am still enjoying my time here. Especially getting to know some of the folks in my ward, one handsome fella in particular but that is not a story for here or now. Let's just say I am excited to see where it takes me. Hope is abounding though! God is a God of miracles.

I am still one of the FHE coordinators. We just revamped the program for a new semester. We reorganzied the families and came up with a curriculum. The first Monday the lesson comes out of Preach My Gospel and the second Monday from the conference issue of the Ensign. When I was set apart, I was told that I would be able to help increase the testimonies of those in our ward. I know that by reading and studying the doctrines taught in Preach My Gospel -which asks you to read, experiment, and journal about the scriptures- and the words of our Prophets, seers, and revealators that testimonies will increase. The Holy Ghost's job is to testify of truth and of the Savior. If they will follow the curriculum and participated in the lesson -coming prepared- then their testimonies will increase. That was my goal anyways increase the time in the scriptures and doctrine and thus increase the Spirit's ability to whisper the truthfulness of the things being read and presented.

The darkness was really getting to me. I did not really notice it and then all the sudden it was like my whole life was dark for a weekend and that was not fun. I had this overwhelming sad feeling that I just could not shake. After four days of that I got a blessing from my Institute director Brother Monte Miles. He is amazing. I am so sad that he is retiring in May. It is so nice to feel the power of the priesthood and to feel the love of our Heavenly Father poured out upon us. He loves us all so much and wants us to be happy and that happiness comes from applying the gospel principles in our lives, DAILY.

I heard from a couple of good friends this past week. One is such a good man, genuine and funny. He was here over the summer doing an accounting internship and then went back to BYUI. Now he is off doing another internship in Connecticut. The other friend is getting her Masters at BYU Provo. Both of them could carry on wonderful gospel conversations. I really miss our those. We could talk forever about the redeeming doctrine of the gospel. Good friends are such treasures!!! I am really grateful for all the amazing experience I have here in Alaska. I am pretty sure I will be here for at least another year. Then who knows.

I know that as long as I am living the single life I want to keep furthering my education. I am thinking about a master's in Literacy, or Administration, Law School..and a few other things. Hopefully I will figure it out this next year or find a good man to marry and live my dream job as a wife and momma. =0)

I hope that all of you are well. Will blog more later. =0) Love you all!!

Baby it's cold outside....

2009-01-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Being back in Anchorage is nice. I really really love it here. The mountains and snow its simply breathtaking....literally today it is -20 outside. When you breathe in your nose hairs stick together and freeze along with whatever else might be in your nose. When you go in side your nose melts so tissues are a must in every jacket, sweater, or hoodie. It is so cold anything and everything outside has a white film over it. The road signs, our post office pole in our parking lot, trees. The other day I was driving and my CO2 turned to ice on the inside of my car on my windshield and window. It is supposed to "warm" up into the 20's this weekend. Which means I will be able to take my roomate's dog on a walk and go myself. I have missed walking outside since I have been home. As a FYI we are gaining sunlight now slowly but surely.
I missed my friends while I was gone. I ran into a friend at Wal-Mart and we hugged and chatted and then the next day was a baptism and lots of ysa's were there. One of "brothers" in my FHE group told me our ward is not the same without you. How sweet was that. Anyway it made me feel so good to really feel apart of our ward. Our ward is on fire with missionary work the baptism on Saturday was for two ysa's Slade and Becca. I was asked to sing with Brittany the cutest girl in our ward seriously she is blonde, shorter, beautiful voice , kind , funny she is a riot....anyway I am sure we made quite the duo me being curvy, dark haired, and tall...I think we sounded ok. My voice was still a little froggy. We have a baptism this Saturday and one the following week too. I love it! I can't wait for everyone to be back from home too. Lots of kids are still gone but UAA starts back next week so they should be trickling in.
Also on Saturday was a celebration of 50 years of Alaska statehood; there were ice sculptures, free entertainment, and one of my favorite things ever FIREWORKS! It was a nice night downtown. I learned not to breath when taking a picture when it is this cold or your pictures are of your own breath. I also learned not to breath when someone is taking a picture of you when it is this cold outside or it looks like your spirit is escaping your body...that our you are in the witness protection program and your face is all blurred out.
My little car is hanging in there. I have a block heater but it still sounds like a waking dragon when it starts and I am always afraid it won't and I'll be late for school.
As a side note I got called to be our ward pianist SCARY I know. I do not have mad skills. I am excited that I will be getting better though. There are lots of things I hope to get better at in 2009. I love new beginnings.

New Baby

2008-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

This is Quincy's newest little guy Daniel Jones from church history and Daniel is a McKinney family name and Jones is my moms moms maiden name. He is such a handsome little guy. He was born December 27th at 1:02 am. We thought he was coming Christmas Day but he teased us....we know he is a McKinney already teasing in utero.

I am so happy being home. I miss the snow though.

Home sweet home

2008-12-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

Dang! It has been so good to be home. I got to come home and surprise my family a week early. I first surprised my dad who was cleaning the church with the rest of the high priests. Oh the lies me and mom had to tell to keep him in the dark. It was worth it though. He was truly surprised.

Then I went to momma's where Justin and Amanda and my baby Kade or as we call him Kadekins was. They were so surprised to see me. Justin was still asleep so I got to wake him up. He was definatley surprised to see me. He did not think we were going to get to see each other at all over Christmas. We have gotten closer since Kade has been born. Mom and I drove down (all night) to Florida when Kade was born and we stayed until Luke was born 3 days later...then we drove straight through to see Luke....good times. Justin is a firefighter for Marion County and is going to paramedic school now. Amanda is a teacher at a virtual school. Kade is so cute and eats a lot, he loves Baby Signing Time.

Next on the list of people to surprise was Quincy and Amy because they were the closest geographically. I hid in the bushes outside their house and mom, Justin, and Amanda went in first then I rang the doorbell a couple minutes later. Gabe was screaming and could not believe it. Ben kept saying Katie is here Katie is here; it was so cute!

Quincy then called Jared and Ann Marie to come down to his house for an important announcement from Eldon. Why they came I don't know? Eldon never has important announcements like "I am getting married or having a baby" what is the coolest thing he could have said??..... Someone hit me and I want McKinney and McKinney to represent me. I hid in the bathroom downstairs and after they came in Sam asked Emily, "Who is your favorite aunt?" and then Ben said someone is going to come out of that door and surprise you so at that point I might as well come out. Emily was so excited she ran over and jumped into my arms and cried. Her birthdsay is the 18th and she has been telling everyone that Aunt Katie is coming home for her birthday. We tried to go on an Aunt Katie date the day it started sleeting...we at lunch at Guy Perkins school with Ben, Gabe, and Sam and then went to Conway and had to come back almost immediately because of the weather...but not before I got to see McKinney and McKinney law office and take Jared to lunch at Larry's Pizza ;the best pizza buffet in Conway.

Coley Bob is talking like crazy. He is the cutest little guy ever. Baby luke has changed so much in the last 6 months. When you look at him he looks down at the ground and grins. Bashful one in our family I don't know how this will work out. Jacob is so funny. He plays this game where he will hit you gently on the head and he wants you to pretend he just knocked you out. Then you do it to him and he is so cute when he closes his eyes and says OOOOHHHH. He still loves to sing and Jingle Bells is a new favorite. We had fun playing.

Spencer was at the house when we left Guy. He was cute. He came running across the dinning room yelling KATIE and gave me a big ole hug. He has got to be one of the funniest guys I know...seriously. I have him for Christmas.

Janeen flew in at 6pm. Spencer went to pick her up and brought her to a YSA Christmas party at Angela's. She walked in and I was hiding around the corner....she screamed and we hugged for like a minute. It was so good to see my sister. We shared a room and a bed for EVER. I have missed her!

Family fun. Is there anything better than babies laughs? Or tiny fingers on your face? Or tiny voices saying I lub you aunt katie? rocking these babies to sleep and watching their heavy eyes fall for the last time? I have so much to look forward to.

I am surprised how much I am missing Alaska and my YSA ward people. Alaska living is so great. My job emotionally draining but everything else is fantastic. I still don't know what next year has in store for me.

Church was good. I got to see some angels in my life...and my old kids that I taught in Primary. They were huge!

Tuesday nite we went to the church and played knock out and volleyball with the entire McKinney clan. It was a ton of fun. I don't know what was more fun sliding on the ice in the church parking lot Jared in his van (with me) , dad and mom with Justin and Amanda, or Spencer, Eldon and Janeen in the Saturn. We looked like synchronized sliders all twirling at the same time. Good times! Oh, man we let Gabe and Ben play with us and Jared kept telling mom to pretend "he" didn't exist...in other words hit all the balls that come to Gabe...so Gabe got hit in the face and he folded his arms and said, "that is ok I don't exist anyways" I was hilarious! Jared made up for it...he had Justin serve a few balls just to Gabe and he hit them over to us.

Wednesday Justin and Yolanda (that is what I call Amanda don't ask why...I just do) had to leave. It was hard to say goodbye to Kade. He is soooooooooo adorable. He makes all these little noises and giggles. He likes to sign hat which looks like a little kid hitting himself on the head for no reason it is precious.

Wednesday nite me and Janeen went to Rose Bud to stay over at our cousins David and Valeries house. They live a few doors down from another cousin Tana. We had a blast visiting and playing. Thursday we all went into Conway and had a good time shopping and being girls. I love being with the girl cousisns and laughing and having a good time. I got to fill them in on some of my Alaska adventures. Mandy joined us and increased the good times.

Thursday nite ...AUCTION...it was good to see some of the dealers and talk about Alaska. I got asked about Sarah yeah Sarah Pallin. I did get to see her at the kick off celebration of 50 years of statehood for Alaska. She introduced Wynonna at the Airshow and kick off party. I was impressed then and continue to be.

Friday..today I am going to go eat with my students from Greenbrier Middle School..then go to a wedding...then to Russellville to play with Mandy and Shawn and see their new baby Abby. Brady and Lydia too they love it when I speak in my British accent so do my students. Shawn graduates Saturday.....yeah!

Well y'all probably heard enough and are tired of reading this novel.

More Thanksgiving fun

2008-11-30T23:42:00.001-08:00

So Black Friday was spent in PJ the entire day...it was nice I have been going and going and going. Monday nites FHE, Tuesday Institute Council and Institute class, Wednesday Institute class, Thursday Institute Choir, Friday fun with friends, Saturdays laundry..shopping..getting ready for Sunday, Sunday well its Sunday. Needless to say it was great to just relax with friends and watch some Christmas movies to set the mood.

Saturday Lisa, Char, and I drove down to Soldotna to pick up some Christmas goods from their storage unit and to hear Char's cousin give his homecoming talk. He just got back from Mongolia. We had an amazing road trip. It is soooo beautiful in Alaska. There really is no prettier place...if you love snow.

Char's family was so fun. We played Apples to Apples and Boggle. I lost at both but had a fantastic time playing; I am sure there is a calorie burn chart for laughter on the Apples to Apples box.

Going to a family ward was nice. Louder than our YSA ward but;I got to hold some babies. =0) Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to hold and love on babies. They are so darn cute, and there is nothing better than those little smiles and laughs, oh it just warms my heart. There building was identical to my home ward building that made me a little weepy, awe Conway II Ward I love y'all! and can't wait to see you soon.

Well got to run for now.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T21:48:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was so great! There were several of us who were away from home we got together at Cole's place. We played some games, cooked, and had lots of fun. At least I did.

Left to right is Cole, Cristi (my roomate), Mark, Charlotte, Lisa, and me in the front. I wanted us all to have a taste of home; and knowing if were at each other homes then our families would be telling stories on us...I called everyones parents and got some stories on everyone and got their parents to write a little note. I really enjoyed it and hoped everyone else did too. I learned a lot about everyone.

I was very impressed Mark cooked some yam casserole that was yam good, and Cole made our rolls that were delightful! Charlotte, Lisa, and I spend a lot of time together having some crazy times...like dressing up for Haloween, practical joke wars ,{serand wrapping vehicles, balloons in cars, scavenger hunts for presents} and sleepovers. ...anyway we did the shopping and the sides dishes. We all helped prep and cook the turkey that was fun. Mark was gonna do the turkey but overslept by 4 hours. He is a riot!

I am not gonna lie...I missed home like crazy; but being in a homey place with good friends made it really nice. A close second to being at home with family. I have so many things to be Thankful for. First is the knowledge that I have of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ which makes every aspect of my life deeper and sweeter. The scriptures especially the Book of Mormon. My family they are the best especially my nephews and nieces. Hope, hope for my students lives to be improved, hope for someone to love and share a life with, hope to be able to experience the miracle of life, hope for greater happiness and joy....Hope is a needful thing (President Uchtdorf) Good friends another great blessings in my life. Our country a free nation with so many opportunities, a good education, a job/career ( a got a nice carear on me) =0) The Earth and all its beauties...Alaska has its fair share of earthly beauties. That I can walk, see, hear, taste, especially touch..uplifting music, Christmas, Fourth of July, ice cream, chocolate, babies smiles and laughs, grandparents, farms, four wheelers, cousins, camping, road trips, books..being able to read and learn, good movies, sunshine, moon, stars, trampolines, Arkansas, Razorbacks ....this is just a short list.

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving day!

No I am not Dead ....yet

2008-11-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

Wanted everyone to know I am alive and well. I have some pictures to add from Halloween.

So I have not blogged in a bit. I have been busy with friends and life.

Driving in the frozen tundra is so funny...when it snows and people start driving on the snow they create their own lanes and when the snow and ice chip away you realize how far off you are from the actual lanes. Parking is about the same you just guess where the lines are and hope for the best.

Institute is going great. We had a harvest hoedown and it was so much fun. We had dance instruction had some Frito Chili Pie and Apple Pie yummy! I made the Chili and was nervous about it... they ate it all 3 crock pots full so I guess it was at least edible. I used moms recipe but nothing ever taste quite like moms. (by the way I have the best mom in the world,universe, galaxy, cosmos it is true!)

Having a temple in Anchorage is so nice. After stake conference, where they dedicated a new Stake Center which is gorgeous and having the temple president tells us that the temple is not being used enough; I decided to commit to going once a week. Last week my roommate Cristi, and new BFF Charlotte, and I ( her roommate Lisa is not endowed {yet} or she would have been with us...I spend A LOT of time at their place Char and Lisa are amazing) did initiatories. It was sooo nice! Tomorrow we are going to do an endowment session and I can't wait.

School is going pretty well. I have not had any objects thrown at me in at least a week. Still working on using respectful appropriate language when we are upset though. For awhile I thought my name had been changed.

Well I will write more later.. Just thought I'd let you know I am alive and well. One last thought on one of my favorite things SNOW. The snow is so beautiful. It sparkles in the light. It is so cold now that even the air around the tree limbs is frozen and everything looks like a winter wonderland. The sun is coming over the mountains and into my classroom around 10:30 am and setting around 4:00pm. It is weird coming to school in the dark and leaving in the dark.

Weekly report

2008-10-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Friday October 17th I spoke at our institute soup and the spirit. It went well, I think. I know I felt the Spirit and hope that others did too. I used a lot of quotes from one of my favorite talks by Elder Jeffery R. Holland it is a CES talk entitled Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast. It is amazing. If you have never read it you should! He talks about how; yes, there is terror in the Latter Days but we are Saints who know that we will Triumph and that ever other dispensation knew we would triumph too. He says that they need us to be successful so they can count themselves successful. He concludes by saying that when the Savior comes we the members of the church of the Lamb of God will turn the kingdom over to the Lamb of God and that we ,who are doing what we are supposed to be doing, will all be invited to the wedding feast.

Saturday I met some friends for pizza at a local favorite called Moose Tooth. It was soo yummy. My two new friends (blessings for reals) are Charlotte and Lisa. They are amazing girls. So hospitable they let me crash at their place anytime. They have done some amazing things in their lives helping each other and serving their families through some hard times. They inspire me.

Sunday we had some wonderful speakers from the High Council. They spoke on service...and how when we serve others our selfish desires diminish and the divine with in us grows. It was great. Monday night I was asked to speak to the Yellow family and I gave the same message about hope in the last days..well I tweaked it a little. Then we played the sign game. It was so much fun. I love the sign game especially playing with my brothers they are so funny sneaking around the person in the middle.

Wednesday night at Institute we talked about the Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith. We looked at some of his books and talked about how much time he must have put in to know and understand so much. People think that others just come by knowledge naturally while they might have some unique talent for remembering things: they still have to learn them in the first place. He was an amazing prophet who truly knew the doctrine of the kingdom and would have no problem helping anyone with any problem by opening the scriptures and teaching directly from them. The word of God is so powerful. I know that the scriptures bring such hope, love, and joy to my life as I read how willing our Father in Heaven is to help us in our weakness to overcome our weaknesses. I borrowed the Emma Smith movie from the Institute and watched it. It was pretty good. She and Joseph went through some ridiculously hard times. I can not imagine loosing all those sweet babies. How grateful we all should be for the principle of compensation as Elder Wirthlin taught about in General Conference. Knowing that every tear cried will be replaced a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing keeps me moving on...doing my best to just be"good."

The movie made me miss my own family like crazy. I'd give anything for a Jared hug, a Coley kiss, a good laugh with mom and neeners and the girls, a signing time video with Jacob, to hear daddy and Spencer play together, ...Christmas is coming soon. =0) Because of Christ I know I'll be with these guys forever.

Thursday one of my students had a major physical blow out. Completely destroyed my room. It was nuts-o I am glad the other students were at PE. I hate it when that happens because I feel like there is always something more or different I can / could have done...even though I probably couldn't in some situations it is just going to happen. Plus all that adrenaline is hard to get rid of.

We are studying wind and energy in science right now and one of my students made me laugh so hard. We were blowing bubbles and I asked the class what direction the bubble were blowing and there were "up, down, left, right, north, and some souths, and then ....his reply was "...towards me." He is like a 10 year old kindergartner. He is so darn cute. They all are. It really baffles me to realize how easily it is to love others you have only known for a short while. Whether they are kids in my class or part of the summer YSA's that I only knew for a few precious months...I love them like I do people I have known my entire life. Love is a beautiful gift.

Our school started a biggest looser competition and I hope to be a fierce competitor. I joined our local YMCA it has a saline pool I had never heard of such a thing...... no worries I have no plans of getting in it ...... for awhile anyways besides I would not share my secrets strategy with them. --those eggs were a lie stephen..a lie =0)

Today is one of my friends Birthdays and we are all going out to celebrate. It should be a lot of fun I am really looking forward to spending time with some of the young singles. We have good times when we get together. Nicole is amazing she is in the air force and her husband in the arm. He is in Virgina and she is here and they don't know when they will get to be reunited. She is always smiling and happy though making me thankful for what I got here and now...on that note y'all have a great weekend. Love ya!

Oh, the October Ensign has a great article (for any political junkies) on Abortion by Elder Nelson. I have friends who try to say that the church supports choice and agency and so then we should be pro-choice....read the article! While Elder Nelson does not make the connection that the Church does not support abortion and should not support a candidate who does. I will. Was it a coincidence that that article came out in October before election time? I think not but that is just my speculation. It is crazy to support a candidate who would "not want to punish his daughters if they make a mistake." Sorry if this if offensive... I couldn't resist putting that out there.

Late to School

2008-10-15T18:05:00.001-07:00

Somehow my alarm got shut off and I woke up at 7:35 am which is precisely when I am supposed to be in my classroom getting ready for the day. I quickly brushed my teeth put on some clothes and rushed out the door. I called the school while I was trying to wrangle some gloves on my hands to let them know I would be late. Then I called my lovely Teachers Assistant Ms. Mandi and asked her where she was knowing that promptness is not her forte she was still clear across town. I hurried and made it to school at 7:55. My students were definintely concerned as to my whereabouts.

Things went down hill from there. We implemented a new classroom discipline system 1-2-3 magic. While I love it the kids are still getting acclamated to it. Like with anything new they wanted to push the limits and see just how it would work and it worked as it should..except for with one student who thought that I needed to be grabbed by the collar, then hit, and almost bitten. We had the principal and two intervention coaches trying to get me freed from the grasp of an upset student. One student brought three bags of candy to class and would try to put some stashes away from later on this week. Another student had "sprung" his right wrist and could not do any written work. What a day! Only at my school...

On top of that I didn't feel well "volcano" in the tummy.....one of my first days here I went to lunch with a T.A. in the room next to mine (who is a crack up hoot) an older African America woman who makes me look small and still lives at least cosmetically in the 80's..girl she loves her some fake eyelashes and she walks with a cane due to an injury restraining a student here last year. Me and Leelah went to Subway after numerous efforts to stretch her seatbelt to buckle...at subway she was telling me how she was lactose intolerant but was gonna get her some pepper jack cheese on her samwich anyway and that later she might have a "volcano" in the tummy......and felt nasty all day due to the lack of a nice shower in the morning. Needless to say the students picked up on my vibe and it effected the entire day. I will do a double check tonight to the status of my cell phone alarm clock. =0)

2008-10-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

The view from my classroom a close up of the mountains. Then a far away view. The sun beams in my classroom every morning. Finally the third picture is me and Mrs. Papacristo--she married a greek...lucky girl he can cook!! We are on the playground. She is also a first year teacher; we get along great and are enjoying our successes and comforting each other in our defeats.
Oh how I love the snow. It is so beautiful. At Family Home Evening I had us sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing for our opening hymn..snow reminds me of Christmas....maybe I am excited because I get to go home for Christmas. I have also been listening to Christmas music in my car Ray Charles, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Celine Dion, Elvis..and more...Did I say that I love the snow? I love how it feels when it lands on my face cold and damp and then it melts and turns warm. I like the sounds it makes when the huge flakes fall and make this soft clicking noise like ant legs against the hot dry sand. I also love how it coats everything and makes it look so clean and pure. I LOVE : it there is something magical about snow. I am not articulating myself very well ;but, just know I love it.

This week at school has been full of adventure. I got hit with a hanger today, shoved on Monday, and a snowball thrown at me. If you have never been hit with a hanger just know they hurt... bad.

My school day has turned into SNOW PANTS DAYS...take snow pants off...put snow pants on for recess...take snow pants off....put snow pants on to go home...take at least 40 minutes out of our academic day all for snow pants. Not kidding..you'd be amazed how long it takes ADD 5th graders to put on snow pants..much less to take them off.

Institute is going well. I am taking gospel living and the provident life on Tuesday nights..and the institute council meets on Tuesdays night as well. Wednesdays I take presidents of the church. I really love the Institute instructors they are knowledgeable and they invite the Spirit to be the true teacher. Thursday is choir and I am no singing maestro but they need voices and a voice I have.

2008-10-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

The General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was this past weekend and man was it wonderful! I really enjoyed Elder Perry's talk about living simply, Elder Holland's talk about Angels seen and unseen ( thanks to all of you angelic people who have crossed my path) , Elder Uchtdorf's talk about hope, and Elder Eyring's talk about zion and unity in our homes and church. I watched Saturday's conference at the Maplewood Institute building ( I am on the Institute council). I watched Sunday am at Baxter building and Sunday afternoon in Eagle River with a friend. It snowed and was so pretty. I also got to talk to some of my new friends Craig who moved to Idaho and Nicole who moved to Provo so it was a GREAT!

Monday was a typical Monday at school. Tuesday I had IEP training at the district building it was a nice day away from kiddos. Wednesday we had a rough start getting back to having the real teacher in school. One of my kids had a major blow out threw his desk and chair and shoved me out of the way to get to the classroom library so he could throw books. After he recovered we had a great day. Social Studies was especially fun. We made treaties! We had 7 new off days given us by Gov. Palin and we had to compromise where to put them. At Christmas break or over summer so it was fun. I spoke in my best British accent and the kids loved it!!

Well I got to go to institute! I love it here!! There is tons of snow on the mountains. Sunrise is 8:30 am and sunset like 7:30ish.

2008-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

the view from my classroom is the dark picture. the other one is from on top of the parking deck at cristis hosptial

So the Relief Society General Broadcast was amazing; especially Elder Uchtdorf's address. He spoke about how women often see the imperfections and men focus more on their accomplishments. I know that is true for me. I could always do better at what I am doing. Especially in school. I feel totally inadequate to be working with my special population especially with their special needs. ....anyway I was really touched by his message about creating things and having compassion. I really enjoyed the way he defined creativity by something that was not there before.

Fever Blisters and School

2008-09-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

How annoying are fever blisters? They are like huge mosquito bites on your lips......lips are a lot like bums not really appropriate to play with or scratch in public. The blisters bleed like mad when they are broken via eating or smiling too fast not thinking that the smile of the night might turn into what resembles a severed artery that needs stopped before serious damage to your brain occurs.

So gross and irritating especially now that I am a teacher and have to answer a billion questions about them "what is that?"" Can I get that from you?"" how do you get it?" "a fever what?" Oh the curiosity of children..now if I could only grow a fever blister on their social studies books I would be in business. =0)

My new student has been a perfect angel these first two days. =0 ) He is a bright student with some issues (like all of my wee darlings.)

This morning there was a momma moose with her baby standing in front of the school. She was HUGE. We had to shoo -and by we I don't mean me- her away before we could unload school buses. We have also had a black bear sighting on campus last month. I need to start circling through the parking lot before exiting my vehicle. Momma moose can be cantankerous I hear...and bears well I don't want to come face to face with one anytime soon.

My 5th grade class ,5 boys and 1 girl, is studying American History, all the science strands (through science kits that I have yet to figure out), reading / writing we are doing the Scholastic Read180 program and a modified reading writing workshop, math we are still reviewing multiplication and carrying numbers ( we are working on a math curriculum). Anyone who knows me must think it is hysterical that I am teaching math. We are also doing WHYTRY which is a social emotional education program based out of Provo, Utah. I think it is great program. (probably ran by Latter Day Saints, just a guess though) We have a teacher provided snack after recess every day and while they eat I read aloud a book. I try to do all the voices. So far we have read "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the Word", "Stone Fox", and now we are reading" Sign of the Beaver". "Where the Red Fern Grows" is on the list to be read as is "Walk Two Moons." I should probably put a WARNING on everything that I write stating.... even though I am a teacher, I am hardly ever grammatically correct; which must really irk some people. ( but details really are not my thing)

My YSA ( Young Single Adult) Ward (Mormon congregation) watched Elder Holland's CES (Church Educational System) broadcast on Sunday. On the way there it was raining and the sun was shinning...we had the most beautiful double rainbow I have ever seen. The rainbow was soooo bright. It was gorgeous. --The talk was amazing! He spoke about prison temples and how when Joseph Smith (restorer of Jesus Christ's Church to the Earth and translator of the Book of Mormon) was in Liberty Jail we received some amazing revelations. He said that when we are going through difficult times that is a time when we are probably the closest to the Lord relying on Him to see us through. He also spoke about cheerfully enduring our trials and that if life was hard for the Savior it would be hard for us. It was a profoundly beautiful talk. You can find it at lds.org as well as more information about my faith. I left with a peacefully feeling knowing that God in Heaven knows me and my trials and has He has "planned, prepared, and guaranteed my escape." I also left very excited for General Conference coming up!

How grateful I am to know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us to be able to return and live with Him; Jesus Christ being the central part of that plan providing the infinite sacrifice for our sins. I don't think I will ever be able to put in words my feelings for Him and the love that He has for me.

Sundays the best day of the week...and the day I miss my family the most. We would often have Sunday supper all together (minus Justin and Amanda and baby Kade in Florida) =0( What an amazing group of people to be surrounded with. (Flawed of course! Who is not??) They are the best though. I miss mommas home cooking. Anyone who has eaten at her table can testify of the deliciousness of her meals and of dad and his teasin', great stories, laughter, and doctrine all of which has also been consumed at that big ole McKinney sized table.

I miss Quincy and Amy and their little family of boys. Ben so smart, Gabe so kind, Sam so ready to play, Jacob lover of Signing Time DVDs.( and new baby in January yeah!! ) Especially little Jacob, my nephew with Down syndrome. He is a mess, a cute mess. You never know what he is going to find funny. He loves to empty out cupboards and do ring a round the rosie ..he thought that was a hoot the first time we sang/did that together.

I miss Jared and Ann Marie's little family. Emily Rae with a vivid imagination and an uncanny memory, Cole with his cute little smile and kisses, and baby "Uke" Luke his chubby little cheeks perfect for kissing.

Heck sometimes I even miss Spencer and Eldon. (Eldon and I got to drive up to Alaska together over the summer with mom and dad. It was an amazing trip. That will be a new post all it's very own. )Oh, and Janeen who is off at BYU Idaho for her sophomore year of college. I miss you guys! And countless Sherwood cousins, and second cousins, and and and.....Arkansas in general minus the heat. I do not miss that.

2008-09-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

This is Valdez with the sun setting over the harbor. It was so gorgeous! I will try to add more pictures later. I am still trying to figure out how to blog appropriately. Love you guys!! Wish you were here enjoying the bountiful beauties Alaska always has to offer.